The Irish standard., 1911-01-21

eSayrrnSf by. From the balcony win
GsssssHSJ dow the fat veteran had wit
1; messed AdcIe'S silent contempt and
he HOW laid 81 sympathetic hand upon
his partners shoulder.
You see how you stand with her,
don't youy" he said quietly. II won't
say she amt fine enough woman to
make any man act the fool about her
But, Gene. you've got to hold up your
head and git over it. It's too lutc for
you to start your life again, and You
look at yourself, Gene Kirby, then take
+, another at her. But, say, she wouldn't
take you if you was an angel stepped
right out of the first front floor of
heaven. What could you ever he to
her? Nothin' hut Il ID gambler
l seen the way she treated You"
"Thats because she doesn't know
what Pm going to do" replied Kirby,
+, striving to convince himself Look at
that paper"
Bunce examined the deed, then turn
cd Indignantly upon the signer thereof,
'l've seen you give some pore youn,,
! teller his money back nftor you'd won
it, but l never knowed you to do it il
the Teller shipped you in the face
first" he said withcringly. THE girl
won't stay long enough III the same
room to wipe her shoes on you. Don't
that hurt you?"
at won't hurt so much after this
replied Kirby. indicating he paper.
when the fool maker made you |
reckon he quit work He knowcd he'd
reached his high water mark" com
mcnted Runcc, with Il despairing shrug
"Now, I'll make her speak TO you"
Kirby shook his head, his relaxed fig
ure s,itfcning with sudden resolution.
no. he sui1 quietly. You and III
get out Of here. won't see Miss Ran
dali again"
But the other giving no heed to the
words, quietly left the room, while Klr.
by remained seated at the table alb
stractally toying with the cards, utter.
ly ObliviOus to surroundings His feet
ing resolution hud already vanished
His grip on the present had relaxed
lie felt singulnrly hopeless, heartsick
and utterly alone.
He did not know--nor, knowing
would greatly have cared-tIlat Judge
Pleydclls plan was about to be exc
cuted. He did not know that Nine
DavcZac, Miss Plcydell and the Gen
eral were already in the carriage wait.
ing to be conveyed TO their neighbours
plantation, waiting for the coming OF
Adele, who had been inexplicnbly de
layed at the last minute-delayed by
Bunce, who was putting forth every
persuasive effort. pleading, coaxing
threatening all in one breath, in a des
pernte attempt to bring her back to
the drawing room, to make her grant
a farewell interview to his partner.
At length, in the midst Of his brood
trnctcd his attention, and, listlessly
turning, lie disccrncd young Randall
old Pleydcl, Aaron and Nj. Veaudry
all scrutinizlng him intently with Il
look there was no msnterpreting
They considered the ladies safely away
and the time had now come when Il
judicial murder might be perpetrated.
Before a word had been exchanged
Kirby fatIlomed their purpose, but NO
hint of cOgniZance was evinced in his
manner. He arose leisurely and with
the courtesy Of guest TO host rather
than with any intention of self de
tense, alarm or even interest And
nd Gil
men surveyed the one. Then young
Randall spoke ominously and. for him
with admirable restraint.
Its pretty dark outside. Mr. Kirby
too dark to shoot straight. Shall We
settle it here? We are going to give
you Il chnnce, and you'd better gel
yourself ready to take 1T BANKED quicl
unless you prefer to be shot like 6
rat"
"1f you leave it to me-" said Kirby
mildly, II prefer not to be shot al
ALL"
do you realize that in giving YOU
! fair show we do Il common gambler
an honor?" returned the boy, strug
Cling hard against his passion. He re
scented Kirby's serene composure, TO-
against it he was placed at humiliat
ing disadvantage.
II am deeply sensible Of your kind
ness to one Of my profession" observed
the common gambler" bowling witt
courteous Formally. You seem to BIZ
making quite elaborate preparations
gentlemen, but think you're putting
yourselves to unnecessary trouble. Mr.
Randall, you and your sister,
Don't you dare mention the name
Of any lady of my family" menacet
Tom.
; But that is necessary, STR" suavel.
murmured the other. because you ant
your sister, Miss Adele Itandall"-