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


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
", do not be disturbed at my knowl-
edge. A friend has told me. The
Prince de Cont, whom l consulted in
my search for a comrade, a lieutenant,
told me you were suited for the post,
with a hand indeed of iron and a heart
mani need"
By this time Tonti had recovered
himself, and led the way to the table,
motioning his visitor into a chair.
He then took the sole remaining bit
| of gold from his pocket, gave it toPom-
pom, and ordered him to get a bottle of
the choicest Anjou wine from the
nearby cabaret. He then turned to
the stranger.
"The Prince de Cont was a gallant
leader to serve under in war, but I
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 Whit 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 d.
rect, business-like 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 majesty's ships can
sail direct from the harbor Of La Ro-
chelle past Quebec and Montreal to
China and the Indies. 1t is a glorious
life, a warfare against nature and
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 a
trade in beaver-skins within a few
years that great wealth will be ours,
greater than a soldier of the king
could ever hope to gain in all his life's
service"
Pompon returned with the wine, and,
after filling the glasses, stood behind
Tonti's chair, watchful to see and
hear all that went on.
II have here letters from Comte de
Frontenac, governor of New France
to Colbert. Already the king has
granted me several audiences, and
both he and his minister are favorable
to my plans. He has awarded certain
moneys, and I have collected all but
10000 francs of the necessary re-
mainder from my relatives anG
friends"
Tonti here bethought himself of pre-.
senting Pompon, and after he hat
sent him out again on a needless err.
rand, told La Sale what he knew o.
his history. When he returned LIZ
Sale eyed him critically during theil
conversation, and finally, after arous.
ing their enthusiasm by showing
them rude maps of the wilderness ant
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 will thus, Capt. de Tonti," hi
concluded, escape the arduous service
of a king who forgets, and the con
slant hopeless storing UP of hatred
against his minister. | warn vol
that if you remain here it will be bu'
to eat your heart out in helpless mis-
cry. You cannot touch him; he is tor
high. Come with me and forget tn
past; escape the constant reminders
of wrongs suffered. You will, too, il
a Measure be serving your chosen
king by extending his domain ant
adding new glory to the crown h
wears; BESIDES" he continued, in
tone a shade more earnest and sub
dued, think of the thousands of be
; nighted souls that will thus have tn,
| benefits and offices of Mother Churcl
brought to them. Think of it; wealth
) gained; ambition satisfied; a nam
made famous; an oath of allegianc,
; still kept i%nviolate. This applies als'
to you, M. Pompon. While in thi
country you will be in constant dan
ger. Once reach the western land AM
all the kings of the earth with all thei
soldiers could not find you. VIII
knows what deeds of prowess you ma,
achieve and perhaps through then
. win a pardon and so come home t
your latter days in peace?"
, "Mordioux!" cried Tonti, all allan
with eagerness to carry out the pro
posed plan. When do W. start?"
GAS nearly two weeks from to-mor
row as we car The ship is the 'Sain
Honore,' and we sail from La Ro
: chelle."
we will 60 with you" suddenl,
spoke UP Pompon, "and you need loo
no further for the 100000 francs; Capt
de Tonti and myself will furnish then
as our share of the expedition"
Tonti looked at his ~newly-mad
friend in a condition bordering upo,
s~tupefaction. For himself, he had n
| money, and this man, just out of tn
Bastille, he knew could have non
either. A look from Pompon checke
1 any exclamation Of surprise that h
might have made, so he contente
! himself by offering his hand to L