Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1905-10-12

CHAPTER XIX.-CoETINUED.
Glow know you it was |? Could
not any one of the numerous female
friends you must have at court have
done as much?"
True, mademoisclle but they would
not Court friends are but friends if
all goes we'll with one. When adver-
sity sets in they speedily forget you.
You will pardon me if | say that |
knew of no one save yourself who
would show such disinterested kind
ness 10 a man in need of aid. Be
sides, | CHANGED to see at Quebec a
note addressed to FTOntenac that he
said he had received from you. The
handwriting was the same as that
which was handed me after the duel"
In spite of herself, Renee felt a thrill
of pleasure as she heard the eXpEes-
sion of his high opinion of her. This,
however, was instantly replaced by
a feeling of chagrin, as she realized
from his last words it had been after
all but surmise on his part.
Grant, then, that it was |, she said.
at was but repaying a debt owed
you. 1t was because of me that the
quarrel originated l would have done
as much for any man. We are then
quits"
Il dared not hope it was for any per-
sonal reason" replied Tonti sadly
But tell me one thing, mademoiselle,
and | shall weary you no further.
What have | done to merit the dis
dain you have shown me ever since
we met in New France? OF what
wrong or discourtesy have | been
guilty?"
mo wrong have you done me-" was
the animated reply. "If you will know
I shall tell you. 1t is because of the
disappointment | can but feel to find
that l have aided one so unworthy;
because of the shame at recalling that
those lips that have uttered such false
vows have pressed this hand. If you
seek further reason, go to your wife
and child so cruelty abandoned in
Paris, find Madame BLIZZARD, ask them.
Meanwhile, know that your presence
is distasteful, that | scorn to receive
your attentions: in fact, that | hate
you!" and Renee pressed her hand to
her heart, that throbbed Il love you"
in spite of her words.
Tonti gave a start of surprise and
murmured, "That woman again!"
Then gathering himself up proudly, he
replied: What evil deeds or crimes
you may impute to me | know not. |
shall, however, continue in my duty
to my friend, and not desist in my en-
deaVOrs for your comfort and safety.
| thank you for this interview" and
gathering up his load, he bowed and
left the spot, angry with himself at
finding that in spite of her wrath she
was magnificent, and realizing how
deeply he loved her.
Within few days all was ready for
their departure. The men sailed away
in the vessel laden with stores and
provisions, while Tonti embarked with
the two women, POmpon, and the Mo-
hegan warrior in a large canoe, and,
turning its Prov southwark soon crossed
the end of the lake in safety to it's
southern shore. Toward Renee he main
tained the same attitude that he had
before their recent interview. Again
was her comfort sought in every way.
weather threatened, a stop was made
and they delayed until the skies had
cleared and the water was once more
calm. Game was not abundant, but
fish were easily caught. Occasionally,
when this diet became unpalatable, a
camp was built, and several days were
spent at rest, while the Indian made
trip toward the interior for venison
or bear. No savages were seen, and
Tonti hoped to be able to pass by the
country of the Iroquois without meet
ing them. Over one-half of the dis
tance was traversed without mishap,
and they were opposite to that por-
ton of the country inhabited by the
Senecas, the westernmost nation of the
Iroquois confederacy, when disaster
overlook them.
They were proceeding along close to
the shore because of the slight rough
ness Of the water, and were making all
haste in order to get over this stage
OF their journey as rapidly as bossi-
Bile. when they suddenly struck against
the ragged edge Of rock Just hidden
beneath the surface of the water.
Such was the force af the blow that