Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-08

! The combatants shifted their posi- tions continuously.
 "Four!"
 The breathing of the Comte de Mirror grew shorter and more rapid
 "Five!"
 His thrusts became wilder and his face flushed, in strong contrast with the coolness and precision of his op. ponent. -..-
 "Six!"
 A terrible oath escaped his lips as Tonti calmly turned aside a quick stroke on which he had counted much
 "Seven!"
 His attack weakened, and he glanced out of the corner of his eye to see if Tonti's driver were near enough for him to suddenly seize and pull the man in front of him to receive the fa- tal blow in his body, knowing that before Tonti could withdraw his sword he would be at the comte's mercy.
 Eight"
 The base plan was impossible of ShCSulioil, uo tuS ullfcl llO" otOOu ldI to one side. He then thought of. es- cape by flight, gaining one of the horses and fleeing to the city. There were no seconds present to witness this cowardly action and he could easily bribe the two drivers to dis credit any version Tonti might give of the affair. This, too, he perceived was futile, as Tonti stood between him and the road where the horses were stand ing.
 "Nine!"
 All hope was now gone and name- less terror seized him. That cursed ! charm burned still brighter over his heart. He vaguely thought of throw ing away his sword and falling on his knees to implore mercy from his foe Had this plan occurred to him when he was still himself, calm and reason able, he might have done so, but now, with his brain a-whirl and the shak- ing fear in possession of him, he judged Tonti by his own standards of honor and believed that he would in turn assassinate him in cold blood even as he had attempted to do him. self but short time before. His last hope was gone Perhaps the charm would save him yet
 "Ten!"
 A cry of fear broke from him and with it came last appeal to satan for assistance
 At the word Tonti executed the 1 stroke he had planned, his foes sword I was turned, and his own sword-point running along inside his guard entered | his breast above the heart, and he sank to the ground with groan, while a red stream gushed from his mouth and chest.
 Dead dogs do not bite; still, this is bad work, mon ami; We must leave quickly" said a familiar voice: and Tonti, looking into the muf1led face of his driver, recognized Pompon. Be- fore they could say anything further the driver of the other carriage ran up and presented a note to Tonti. It was written in a feminine hand and ran as follows:
 The death of the Compte de Miron will be promptly avenged. You must flee at once without returning to the city. Obey whatever the bearer of this note sug- gests.
 It was unsigned Tonti was suspi- cious, so, handing the note to Pom pon. he questioned the driver. endeav- bring to elicit from him some informa- tion as to the identity of the writer, but it was of no avail 'I was to tell you that behind yon- der clump of trees you would find two horses. Take them and set out for Etampes. Take this ring, and when asked by any one to show it, produce it and you will be helped to La Ro- chelle and kept in hiding until your ship sails. Surrender it when you reach the end of your road to whom soever asks for it. Further than that I cannot speak, but pray you make haste"
 Pompon approached during this speech.
 His advice is good. If it is treach- cry we can but be caught. If we re- turn 10 the city we shall surely not escape prefer the chances of treach- cry in the open cHlntry to a certainty of the Bastille ir Paris. It is better 10 make conditions in the brush than in prison. Thinking some such emer- gency might arise brought some of your clothes. our supply of money, and few things for myself They are under the seat of my carriage. l shall get them Tonti finally yielded, and the two leaving the dying man in care of the agent of their unknown friend, they proceeded in the direction pointed out. Behind the trees stood two magnificent English horses. all ready for the road, with provender for beast. and food and drink for the men attached to the saddle. while on one was tied a little bag of money to provide against emer- gencies.
 We shall return this at the first relay" said Tonti. as they swung into the road at good gallop. Ma foi! I do not object to using strangers horses to make my escape, but I will not touch his gold" Judging by the fodder for the horses. they think that there is urgent