Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-18

not the means of defense you had tha
 cursed day, when you nearly snuffe,
 out my lamp of life with your stee
 blade. For shame, a lady present, too
 to see such display of your angry
 passions!"
 Have done with your insolence,
 replied Tonti. haughtily, land send us
 on our way to Fort Niagara with al
 possible speed"
 Ma foil" cried the, comte in mock
 surprise, as he turned toward Renee
 "dtd ever you see such indecent haste
 in visitor to leave his entertainer:
 'Tis monstrous! Why, he has scarce
 arrived and yet he talks of his de-
 parture. Nay, nay, my gallant friend 1t would be scant grace for me to serve a guest so. For my guest you are and l can promise you rare entertainment '
 he continued, as a baleful glare of mingled hate and triumphant revenge darted from his eye. Such as you, monsieur, have never before experi- enced, and which I believe will convey ! lasting impression to your mind, while mademoiselle will be so delight i ed that fear she will be loath to leave"
 "Coward!" hissed Tonti, beside him. self with rage, as he advanced with | shaking fist upon his enemy. "How i dare you insult Mademoiselle d'Outre- laise and myself with your yelled threats and cursed insinuations! Whelp of the devils breed! Were I but crossing swords with you again should make surer work than did before."
 The Comte de Miron now threw aside his mask of courtesy, and, white and trembling, faced his foe. "We are not in France nor shall We fight with swords. Frenchman no longer, am an Indian now, and with savage weapons shall I strike. At Paris you won; the dice are changed and now 'tis my throw. There you had friends and we were equal in power. Here you have none, and my will is law. Am not the head chieftain of the mighty clan of the wolf? A thousand wait to do my bidding. You are indeed in my power, and you shall feel the exercise of it."
 Then turning to Renee he continued vindictively: "Your lover shall be the sport to make an Indian holiday. You shall see those lips that have mur- mured soft of love pierced by the sav- age needle; those arms that have clasped you close shall shrivel up in the hot flame; those eyes that have cast upon you their amorous glance shall be torn out and thrown to dogs to lick. While you." the man contin- ued, raising his voice and foaming at the mouth, you, the delicious morsel have so long waited and yearned for, the ripening fruit that have watched from afar, shall be mine, mine, and you shall learn that it is better to be the squaw of an Iroquois chief than the lover, mistress, or wife of the bravest swashbuckler or roisterer on earth"
 A snarl as of some maddened anil nal goaded beyond endurance escaped from Tonti, and with spring he had clutched his adversary by the throat with one hand, while with his up- raised iron member he was about to deal blow that no human frame could resist, when he was quickly seized and torn away by two warriors, who, hear. ing the excited tones of their chieftain, had entered in time to save him.
 The comte stood gasping, feeling his throat where the imprint of Tonti's fingers were visible.
 Tonti's breast heaved from the sud- den fierce exertion, and as he stood held by each out-stretched arm, his figure tense from the effort to free himself, he flung defiance at his ad- versary:
 "Hell-hound! fiend! renegade! do you seek to terrify me with your men, acing words? Am a child to be frightened by the sight of your ugly face? What care for the horde of painted devils at your back, surround ed by those who obey your call? Here, defenseless, in the midst of your allies and friends, I say do your worst, tor ture me if you will, but shall still defy you. Know this as well, that all your plans shall be for naught! that shall conquer yet, and escaping. shall return to wreak my vengeance
 The comte had now re:lined his power of speech.
 Silence. vain braggart! Escape? Thanks for the word; it reminds me that I must separate you lest you kill one another and shall find you cold in each others arms. I will fetch my squaw and she will lead my lady yon- der to fairer bower" And notion ing to the two men who held Tonti to release him. he strode through the door with them at his heels.
 Renee, who throughout the inter- view had remained motionless, now ran lightly to Tonti.