Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-20
HELPED HER INTO THE CANOE.

betray them. Relief soon came, for the image of his foe vanished and in a moment the head of Madame Bizard showed itself again, motioning him to proceed He did so hastily, as the strain on his arm was terrific. They had reached a point couple of yards from the bottom when Renee, who had seen all that transpired, suddenly re- faxed her hold, unable to maintain it any longer, and dropped. She struck against Pompon's shoulder, glancing off and falling lightly to the ground. A cry of suppressed pain came from her lips, however, for one foot had turned upon stone and wrenched her ankle. Tonti hurriedly raised her and helped her into the canoe (which was waiting a few feet away. Madame Bizard then threw off the coil of rope about the trunk and waved her. last farewell It was indeed her last, for when the escape of the prisoners was discovered. she was suspected, and fell before blow from her infuriated par amour. Thus did she give her life as the penalty for attempting to atone by one good deed for the wretched frailty of her past. Pompon seized the grapevine rope and slowed 1t away in the canoe in order to leave no trace behind of their flight. and jumping aboard, they were once more afloat. At first they pad dled cautiously through the shade at the waters edge until they were out of sight of the Indian camp. Then they struck boldly out. making the boat fairly fly over the water in their haste to place as great distance as possible between themselves and their pursuers. A strict silence was main- tained. broken only once by Renee, who applauded Pompon for the inge- nuity and boldness of his plan. He was gratified at her praise, and re- piled:
 "Ma foi! Mademoiselle, there was no other way. If man does not enter a tigers den he cannot get her cubs" Just as the first pink tinges of the coming day appeared in the east they reached the upper end of the lake, Here they landed, and after placing several huge stones in the canoe, Pom { pon cut a hole in its side, and giving it shove sent it out into the lake and watched it slowly sink. murmuring:
 "A sad way to treat a friend who has aided you"
 ! He then produced small stock of provisions that Madame Bizard had hastily gathered and given him. This consisted of a piece of smoked meat 1 and some ground maize. A portion of this sufficed for their breakfast They were about to start on their journey again when it was found that Renee's { ankle, which had swollen visibly dur ing their passage over the lake. pained her so severely when she touched the ground with her foot that she was un- sole to walk a step. This was a grave question, foi every moment lost at this stage of their progress made the chances of their recapture all the great CT. There was no time to devise any means of transport for her. One thing only could be done. Tonti arose to the occasion.
 ''MademoiselIe," he said apologet. kaIly, remember that all our lives are in danger. and that this is no time t1 consult your preferences. You must proceed. You cannot walk; permit me 10 walk for you"
 How queried Renee in . puzzled tone.
 Ma foi, I must csrry you"
 He had expected an outbreak at this proposal, or at least strong resist. ance. but she only flushed. and look. ing down. said:
 You are the commander of this for. lorn hope. Capitaine Tonti If there i. so other way. I suppose must be obe- dient."
 Thus they started of. Pompon if the lead. with Tonti bearing Renee if his arms cloee behind At first hel cheeks were . mA4 of fame and he, head vss vel ayerted. Bat e111ualll