Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1905-11-02
P III.

IN WHICH THE FIRM ADMITS AN
OTHER PARTNER AND AN AN
GENT DOCUMENT REVEALS MUCH
WISDOM.
The two men were startled at the
sound, and looked hastily toward the
doorway from whence the voice pro-
ceeded.
Within it stood a nan whose ap-
pearance both in manner and physical
characteristics were not likely to es-
cape observation wherever he might
be placed. Taller by half a head than
either Tonti or his companion, and of
a decidedly heavier build; bold fore
head; dark but not shaggy eyebrows;
nose of a strongly marked Roman
type, beneath which rested a thin dark
mustache with ends twisted upward
so as to give the owner a fierce and
scornful expression; a full rounded
chin that tended to become double
all this b%etokened a man of vigor and
action. But the dress was that of a
fop or court dandy. A brown outer
coat, embroidered with gold, was the
first article that attracted ones at
tention. This covered a vest orna-
mented with red ribbons. Above the
coat was slung a shoulder-belt of
twisted gold-thread supporting a
sword; while a throatband of muslin,
edged with fine lace, and a broad
brimmed beaver, surmounted by a
double row of plumes, completed the
upper part of the attire. Close-fitting
breaches, of another shade of brown,
and high boots, very large and open
at the top, completed his fashionable
dress. A fine lace handkerchief was
held in one hand, and applied daintily
to the nostril now and then for the
benefit of the cyprus scent with which
it vas laden.
"You will pardon my Interruption"
he began, when I have explained my
errand, gentlemen. But first let me
o myself as Robert Cavelier-"
"Sieur de la Sale, the great ex-
plorer?" cried Tonti. coming forward.
"The explorer, certainement, but not
yet great. 1t remains for you to help
me to become that"
II help your"
"Yes. You are Capt. Henri de Tcnti,
are you not?"
Tonti bowed.
"Son of Lorenzo Tonti, the Neapoli-
tan banker who, because he sided with
Masaniello, was obliged to flee from
Italy?,"
Tonti bowed again.
who first proposed the insurance
plan that has filled the kings treas
ury; who, because the scheme was an
apparent failure at first, vas impris-
oned by Mazarin and forgotten, and
who died within the month Of starva-
ton in the Bastille?"
Tonti gazed in establishment. "You
know" he began, but the other in
terposed with a graceful gesture Of his
hand containing the scented bit of
lace.
Eyes, I 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 a
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 Netasse 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 a ~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 r restless and un.