The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-01-14

amazing and unbelievable action for
one to deliberately walk into the house
Of his enemies, he vaguely sensed that
the pseudo Colonel Moreau was none
other than the notorious Eugene Kir-
by.
Still. Aaron Randall was strictly
just and upright man, who was fully
aware Of the many crimes committed
in the name of circumstantial evil
dence. Slow to pronounce Judgment,
he was quick to act when once assur-
ed that in no sense would justice be
violated. Moreover, Adele, in whose
integrity and force of character he
had the frmest belief and for whom
he had the highest regard and proof
Of whose acumen he Lad had ample
testimony, vouched for the imposture
and even confessed completely if not
actual initiative in the same. In the
absence Of Tom Randall she was alb.
solute mistress, with the right to act
as she deemed fit, and had. moreover,
exacted his word Of honor that he
would trust her until the arrival of
her brother. Even had he been salts
fed with the truth Of his conjectures
regarding Kirby's identity this prom
Use to Adele would have pledged
Aaron to secrecy, and NJ. veaudry, be-
ing subsequently acquainted With the
compact, likewise agreed that it could
not be violated.
For the young creole this passive
role was extremely difficult, and it
was eloquent proof of his self COM
mapd and personal integrity, coupled
with those refined instincts bestowed
by gentle birth and breeding, that he
considered Aaron's promise equally
binding upon himself and, depressing
all promptings of jealousy, refrained
from dcnouncing Kirby as an impos-
tor. The successful suit of an honora-
BILE rival would have been difficult
enough to recognize. but this encroach-
ment Of stranger who at the best
was masquerader if not character
more sinister and disreputable was in
tolerable. for NJ. Veaudry had gath
cred from Mr.. Randalrs manner that
he suspected their guest of being
guilty of something more criminal
than assuming a name to which he
had no right.
Thus, even while the young creole
and Aaron prayed that Tom Randalrs
arrival would be fastened and coinci-
dent with it free vent could be given
to their suspicious, Larkin Bunce ear
nestly hoped to the contrary-hoped
that Kirby would suddenly realize his
danger, growing the more deadly and
certain as every minute passed, and
would ride for the river before the
coming of Nemesis.
But evidently nothing was more re-
mote from that reckless young gentle
mans intention, for, unmindful of his
partners increasing uneasiness and
that both were the object of watchful,
hostile eyes, he continued to act as if
time and opportunity had been created
solely for Adele and himself. Dinner
finally at an end, he and his young
hostess, entirely absorbed in each 9TH
er's society, sought the drawing room
balcony, while the others. with the ex-
ception of Bunce, INDUCED in a game
Of piquet, M. Veaudry proving
wretched partner. his entire attention
being occupied with the couple on the
balcony.
M. Veaudry. owing to his preoccu-
patton, proving such thankless part
ner, Nine. Davezac at last turned to
Bunce and suggested that he and Kir-
by join the game in lieu Of the young
creole and the judge.
''Eh, truly. Anatole," she added, with
some asperity, tapping the others arm
with her fan. 'you cannot keep your
mind on the game. and so we are un-
able to play. Will you surrender your
place to Colonel Moreau?'
1T seems to me that have already
done that" he responded gloomily.
With as good grace as possible yield
ing to the dictates of courtesy, Kirby
unwillingly terminated his tete-a-tete
with Adele, and as he approached the
card table his place was promptly pre-
empted by the young Creole, who fol-
lowed Miss Randall to the balcony. 1t
was the first time he had been alone
with Adele. and his long repressed
emotion and bitterness found vent.
"Ah. mamzelle, it is true" he said
reproachfully. "You are changed-so
quickly. Yes. you will say wanted to
see you happier. but l also had wished
to be the one to make you so. Adele"
he added earnestly. striving to take
her hand, "if this difference in you
comes only from the gratitude you
feel toto Colonel Moreau because he
tried to protect your father shall be
happy But how have this man be-
witched you that
II don't understand you, Anatole,"
she said quietly. drawing away.
"'Tis that do not understand you,
Adele. think you know from the
first he is not Colonel Moreau. / have
some very strange suspicion Of him."
Instantly the woman in her was up
in arms, seeking to defend, eager to
do battle for the object it sought to
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