Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-01

were confined at Metasse for six months and were exchanged for the son of the governor. On your return to France the king rewarded you with a paltry 300 livres and a captaincy, and sent you back to join in the Si- cilian campaign in the galleys. How, peace has thrown you out of employ ment. How you are restless and un- happy, and are eager, now that the king has no further need of you, to take up with whatever adventure promises the most gold and glory. How now? Am not right? Do I not know all?"
 During the rapid sketch of Tonti's career, he became more and more be- wildered as the speaker went on, and when he ceased speaking he could make no reply.
 "Ah! mon ami." said La Salle, kind ly, "do not be disturbed at my knowl- edge. A friend has told me. The Prince de Conti, whom I consulted in my search for comrade, lieutenant, told me you were suited for the post, with hand indeed of iron and heart of oak. That is exactly the sort of man I need"
 By this time Tonti had recovered himself, and led the way to the table, motioning his visitor into a chair. He then took the sole remaining bit of gold from his pocket, gave it to Pom- pon, and ordered him to get bottle of the choicest Anjou wine from the nearby cabaret. He then turned to the stranger.
 ''The Prince de Conti was a gallant leader to serve under in war, but I did not suppose he would have been so warm in his recommendation What do you wish me to do?"
 ''Ah! that is a question easily an- swered," replied La Sale, as he gave one farewell whiff at his handkerchief, then put 1t away, and, strengthening himself in the chair, spoke earnestly and with rapidity. All mannerism of the court dandy was gone, and the di- rect, business-lile air of man of the world who has to deal with affairs of moment took its place.
 q have. as you know, made some explorations in New France, starting out from my possessions near Mon treal But I am satisfied that much lies beyond; that there we are partly on our way to China, and that ere long one of his majesty's ships can sail direct from the harbor of La Ro- chelle past Quebec and Montreal to China and the Indies. It is glorious life, a warfare against nature and wild men, with great difficulties to be overcome and victories to be gained, but free; free air, free action, free range. Once beyond the settlement of Montreal and one need be answer able to no man. With help from the governor we can build up so large a trade in beaver-skins within a few years that great wealth will be ours, greater than a soldier of the king could ever hope to gain in all his life's service"
 Pompon returned with the wine, and, after filling the glasses, stood behind Tontis chair, watchful to see and hear all that went on.
 "I have here letters from Comte de Frontenac, governor of New France, to Colbert; Already the king has granted me several audiences, and both he and his minister are favorable to my plans. He has awarded certain moneys, and l have collected all but 10000 francs of the necessary re- mainder from my relatives and friends"
 Tonti here bethought himself of pre- senting Pompon, and after he h;,, sent him out again on needless CT. rand, told La Salle what he knew oi his history. When he returned La Sale eyed him critically during theiI conversation, and finally, after arous. ing their enthusiasm by showing them rude maps of the wilderness and relating tales of adventure that stirred the blood, he wound up by asking them both to accompany him on his next expedition, that was to start shortly.
 You will thus, Capt de Tonti," he concluded, escape the arduous service of a king who forgets, and the con- stant hopeless storing up of hatred against his minister. warn you that if you remain here it will be but to eat your heart out in helpless mis- cry. You cannot touch him; he is too high. Come with me and forget the past; escape the constant reminders of wrongs suffered. You will. too, in a measure be serving your chosen king by extending his domain and adding rev glory to the crown he wears; besides," he continued. in a tone shade more earnest and sub- dued. think of the thousands of be- nighted soils that will thus have the benefits and offices of Mother Church brought to them. Think of it; wealth gained: ambition satisfied; a name made famous: an oath of allegiance still kept inviolate. This applies also 10 you, M. Pompon. While in this country you will be in constant dan ger. Once reach the western land and all the kings of the earth with all their soldiers could not find you. Who knows what deeds of prowess you may achieve and perhaps through them win pardon and so come home to your latter days in peace?"
 ''Mordioux." cried Tonti. all aflame with eagerness to carry out the pro- posed plan. When do We start?''
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