Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-22


 | disembarked and found a hearty well come. The smallpox epidemic had sub- sided, but there were numerous sick and wretched ones among the Indians for Renee and her companion to as- sist in tending.
 The day after their arrival Tonti busied himself in making certain ar- engagements for the storing and for- warding of any furs that might be sent by him or La Sale from the country of the Illini. While Tonti was thus engaged, an Indian boy came to him from Renee begging that he follow him to the hut of an aged dying Ottawa. Tonti soon entered the squalid lodge and found there priest, Renee, and one of the nuns.
 T have sent for you," whispered Renee, because the sick man has called necessarily, ever since he was told of your arrival. for the French captain, saying that he had message for you."
 Tonti approached the heap of skins that served for the sufferers bed. He lay in stupor, occasionally arousing himself so far as to utter a moan or mutter few inarticulate words. The sound of Tonti's voice seemed to re- call him to consciousness, for he grasped his hand and spoke in a weak yet clear tone.
 'The French brother and the Black Gowns have been my friends: will tell the French captain what I see." Then closing his eyes, he was silent a moment before continuing. q see tho broad fields of the Illini. I hear tho sound of the braves returning from the hunt, the shouts of the camp and the feast I look to the rising sun and see cloud. It grows nearer and larger. It takes the form of a bear, a beaver and. hawk. It passes over the earth and there is nothing left. The maize stalks are torn and withered. The lodges are burned; a thousand scalps are drying in the air. The vile lage is no more. I see four French men. One is the friend of the great Onontio. Another is a Black Gown. They flee before the cloud. They wan- der alone; they are in need of food. They cry for help, but there is none. and the cloud has swept all away. I see-T see" but the hand relaxed its grasp, the voice sank low and ceased, . convulsive catching of the breath, and the message was delivered; tho messenger had gone.
 Renee quickly followed Tonti to the outer afr. What can this mean?" she asked anxiously. as she saw look of perplexity and disquietude upon his face.
 'T know rot, but fear much," was the reply. "The bear. the badger. and the hawk are three of the most power- ful clans of the Iroduois. It may be that they are invading the Illini or have already done so. Tn either case I must hasten on my way. Perhaps my arri- val may save some impending disas- ter to La Salle. But after all, it may be nothing but the dying delirium of an ignorant savage. Come, mademoi- Felle, do not be alarmed, I shall reach there in time, never fear" and he looked reassuringly into Renee's trou- bled face. ..-
 She was strangely agitated. "Ah. mon ami," she cried. "do not go until you learn some news of what has hap pened. La Salle may be dead and you will but arrive to fall a victim too. Send out your scouts that they may report to you what they learn. They can bear succor if such is needed as well as you. Or if you will go," she continued pleadingly, "take me also. Let us all go together. Is it not my duty to be where there may be wounds to heal and sickness to relieve? What. would become of me were the Sieur de la Salle to be lost and you meet your death in vain task of rescuing him?"
 A great wave of feeling passed over Tonti. He struggled hard to retain hfs footing. Why should he not tell her now how much it meant to him
 
 that she should not expose herself to further danger. but wait for his re- turn? Tell her all the full story of his love. promising that if he found La Salle to be lost he would quickly re- turn and claim her for his own? If the lower country were all abla1e with Eavase warfare he could hardly hope with his small band to avail aught iE defense or rescue: ennihilation for them all would be certain Why could he not snatch few moments of joy before plunging into the whirlpool of danger and woe before him? But as he stnove against himself the words of the dying Indian rang clear upon his gar again. They cry for help. but there .s none" His comrade. still conhding n his faithfulness. turned to him with ! cry. even in his last extremity. not moving where his lieutenant might 5e. he sought his aid Should he fail sim nowe Renee vatcked the struggle throug1