Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-25

repress shudder It hin prsdicament. and after . moments hesitation wrot4 as commanded, and signed his name with a flourish. Hand 1t to me over your shoulder" continued the voice. When he did so the weapon was re- moved and he turned quickly about to see the form of Pompon standing be- hind his chair.
 Before word could be said by any one a knock was heard at the door and Tonti entered. "I was just making my rounds for the night. chevalier, and I stopped to see if" here his eyes fell upon Baugis' companions and he paused in wonderment.
 ''I have been receiving some of your friends and have been entertained by their conversation" the officer began blandly. They have doubtless come from you. as their errand was in your interest. They have procured little writing from me by means which, though unpleasant, have been effectu- al."
 Tonti, still more astonished, seeing the paper in the hands of Pompon. took it and read the contents. He flushed. and, raising his eyes to Baugis, said earnestly:
 ''I trust, chevalier, that you do not believe me to be party to this pro- ceeding My misguided friends have taken far different measures than I should have done. But since the mat ter has been under discussion will say that my desire as to the young donnee is that you carry out the spirit of what you have written here. But to show you that put the matter on an entirely different footing, behold, I release you from your word;" and thrusting the paper in to the flame, he allowed it to burn. 'I will exact no promise, but will say simply this: The donnee is young woman of quality; as gentleman of France you may realize that any further attempts at annoyance or attention will give the lie to your claim of gentility. If these feelings do not influence you, know we'll that I am pledged to guard her person from danger and her mind from unhappiness. Should you persist fur ther, I doubt not but two swords can be found about the fort that will de- termine the matter between us. have no fear as to the result; you were in Paris at the time vanquished the Comte de Miron. I do not believe you to be a better swordsman than he."
 The chevalier stared in astonish- ment at this speech. He muttered at the close, "Parbleu! I recollect. You killed the Comte de Miron!" Then suddenly his face changed. The flush of anger died away, and, rising slowly, he approached Tonti.
 "Capitaine Tohti, you have shown me my fault" he said humbly. T have thousand pardons to beg of you for my conduct since my arrival. Your attitude in everything has been com meudable. Your last alternative has no force with me. A brave foe de- mands ones admiration. That you are brave I well know. A generous enemy commands ones respect. That you are generous you have shown by the de- struction of my written promise. Let us be rivals no longer; may we not be friends?" And with an engaging smile the young man thrust forth his hand impulsively. HG voice rang true, and Tonti grasped the proffered evidence of goodwill.
 Let us rule here conjointly," con- tinued Baugis, you as the representa- tive of La Salle and the active com- mander; I as the representative of the king, commander only in name, for I find I have much to learn before can take over the full responsibility. And as for your faithful friends" turning to Pompon and Boisrondet, "their zeal in their superior's cause is worthy of my thanks. God grant I find such faithful ones always around me"
 Tonti was about to reply when sound of shouting was heard in the yard of the fort and he heard his name called. Soon the sound of run- ming steps was heard shuffling over the hard ground, the voices came nearer. the door burst open, and the figure of a young chief darted into the room. Blood streamed down his breast from fearful wound, while a gash across his head showed that he had been scalped. He stopped before Tonti an instant. "The Iroquois!" he cried. Having delivered his message, he ewayed. fell to the floor. and after one convulsive shudder lay still.