Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1905-08-10

charm burned still brighter over his
heart. He vaguely thought of throw
ing away his sword and falling on his
knees to implore mercy from his foe.
Had this plan occurred to him when
he was still himself, calm and reason
able, he might have done so, but now,
with his brain a-whirl and the shak-
ing fear in possession of him. he
judged Tonti by his own standards of
honor and believed that he would in
turn assassinate him in cold blood
even as he had attempted to do him
self but short time before. His last
would save him yet.
'@Ten!"
A cry of fear broke from him and
with it came last appeal to satan for
assistance.
At the word Tonti executed the
stroke he had planned, his foes sword
wGs turned, and his own sword-point
running along inside his guard entered
his breast above the heart, and he
sank to the ground with a groan, while
a red stream gushed from his mouth
and chest.
Dead dogs do not bite; still, this
is bad work, mon ami; We must leave
quickly" said a familiar voice; and
TOnti, looking into the mufIled face of
his driver, recognized Pompon. Be-
fore they could say anything further
the driver of the other carriage ran
up and presented a note to Tonti. 1t
was written in a feminine hand and
ran as follows:
The death of the Compte de Miron will
be promptly avenged. You must flee at
once without returning to the city. Obey
whatever the bearer of thiS note sug-
gests.
1t was unsigned. Tonti was suspi-
cious, so, handing the note to Pom
pom, he questioned the driver. endeav-
oring to elicit from him some informa-
tion as to the identity of the writer
but it was of no avail.
Il was to tell you that behind yon-
der clump of trees you would find two
horses. Take them and set out for
Etampes. Take this ring, and when
asked by any one to show it, produce
it and you will be helped to La Ro-
chelle and kept in hiding until your
ship sails. Surrender it when you
reach the end of your road to whom
soever asks for it. Further than that
cannot speak, but | pray you make
haste"
Pompon approached during this
speech.
His advice is good II it is treach-
cry we can but be caught. If we re-
turn to the city we shall surely not
escape. prefer the chances of treach-
cry in the open country to a certainty
of the Bastille in Paris. 1t is better
to make conditions in the brush than
in prison. Thinking some such emer-
gency might arise | brought some of
your clothes, our supply of money,
and few things for myself. They
are under the seat of my carriage. |
shall get them"
Tonti finally yielded and the two
leaving the dying man in care of the
agent of their unknown friend, they
proceeded in the direction pointed out.
Behind the trees stood two magnificent
English horses, all ready for the road,
with provender for beast, and food and
drink for the men attached to the
saddle, while on one was tied little
bag OF money to provide against emer-
gencies.
1--WE shall return this at the first
relay" said Tonti, as they swung into
the road at a good gallop Ma fol!
| do not object to using a strangers
horses to make my escape, but | will
not touch his gold.
Judging by the fodder for the
horses, they think that there is urgent
need Of our not losing time by stop
ping to feed them. We have ten
leagues before us and that means five
good hours of saddle work. How
ever, with another mans horses and
your own whip one can accomplish
a great deal" was Pompon's advice
AS they warmed to their task, the
horses showed their splendid breeding
and staying powers. On they went
all the afternoon through the heavy
rain that had closed down upon them
Towards dark the signs of approach
to town, much larger than the viii
lagos they had passed through, warned
them of their first halting- place.
Just before crossing a small bridge
two men sprang out and seized both
horses by the brides; at the same
time each presented loaded pistol at
their heads.
We want no money. gentlemen"
came gruff voice from one of them,
I'VE need jewelry. Have you any
rings about you?"
Tonti looked at Pompon, who
nodded. He then handed the ring
which the unknown had provided them
with to the speaker, who took it, and,
after disappearing to some nook where
he had the means of making a light
to examine it, returned in a few mo-
mentS.