Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1905-06-15

oned by MazaTin and forgotten, and
who died within the month of starva-
tion in the Bastille?"
Tonti gazed in astonishment. You
know" he began, but the other in
terposed with a graceful gesture of his
hand containing the scented bit of
lace.
Eyes, | know all How you entered
the French army at is as cadet; fought
four campaigns on board ship and
three in the galleys. How at Messina
you were placed in charge of a camp
of 10000 men. How at Libisso
grenade shot away your left hand,
and how, because of the delay in the
arrival of the chirurgien, you ampu-
tated the remnant of your hand with
your dagger. How you were known as
The Man with the Iron Hand be-
cause of the iron mechanism you had
made to take the place of the lost
member, and which you still wear.
How, taken prisoner at Libisso, you
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 800 livres and captaincy,
and sent you back to join in the 81
Gillian 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 l not right? Do l 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 Sale, kind
ly, "do not be disturbed at my knowl-
edge. A friend has told me. The
Prince de Cont whom | consulted in
my search for a comrade, a lieutenant,
told me you were suited for the post,
with a hand indeed of iron and heart
of oak. That is exactly the sort of
man l need"
BY this time Tonti had recovered
himself, and led the way to the table,
motioning his visitor into chair.
He then took the sole remaining bit
of gold from his pocket gave it to Pom
pom, and ordered him to get bottle of
| the choicest Anjou wine from the
nearby cabaret. He then turned to
| the stranger.
| "The Prince de Cont was gallant
| leader to serve under in war, but
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 it away, and, Strengthening
| himself in the chair, spoke earnestly
and with rapidity. All mannerism OF
| the court dandy was gone, and the di-
rect busness-lille air of a man of the
world who has to deal with affairs OF
moment took its place.
81 have, as you know, made some
explorations in New France, starting
out from my possessions near Mon
treal. But | am satisfied that much
lies beyond; that there we are partly
on our way TO China, and that ere
long one of his maiestys ships car
| sail direct from the harbOT of La Ro'
chelle past Quebec and Montreal tC
China and the Indies. 1t is a glorious
life, a warfare against nature anC
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 {
trade in beaver-skins within a few
years that great wealth will be ours
greater than a soldier of the kin&
could ever hope to gain in all his life''
service"
Pompon returned with the wine, and
after filling the glasses, stood behinC
Tonti's chair, watchful to see ant
hear all that went on.
Il have here letters from Comte d'
Frontenac, governor of New France
to Colbert Already the king ha
granted me several audiences, ant
both he and his minister are favorable
to my plans. He has awarded certain
moneys, and l have collected all bu
10000 francs of the necessary re
mainder from my relatives ant
friends"
Tonti here bethought himself of pre-
senting Pompon, and after he hat
sent him out again on a needless er
rand, told La Sale what he knew o
his history. When he returned Ii
Sale eyed him critically during thei
conversation, and finally, after arous
ing their enthusiasm by shown;
them rude maps of the wilderness anC
relating tales of adventure that stirred
the blood, he wound up by asking then
both to accompany him on his mex
expedition, that was to start shortly
"You VIII thus, Capt. de Tonti," h
concluded, escape the arduous service