Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-20

| s. the pressure of ths great strong, pro- tecting arms about her brought to her mind a sense of infinite relief and restfulness, while the tact and con- sideretion for her embarrassment won for him her deepest thanks. Thus 1t was that she strove to make the bur- den lighter and the way less tedious by her cheerful words and bright smile.
 For ,ronti 1t was exquisite torture. He knew that 1t but needed word from him and the tired head would rest upon his shoulder once for all; that the recital of his love would bring like sweet confession. But he steeled his heart as he thought of his friend waiting for him so many leagues distant, who, knowing all other men to be false, held faith in his constancy and loyalty. Thus he fought the two battles daily, hourly: the outer one against the physical fatigue and hard- ships of the journey; the inner and greater task, the unrelenting conflict of man struggling against himself.
 The first night they encamped on the messy banks of bubbling spring, cold and clear, that, overflowing it's bounds, trickled off and disappeared among the trees. Tonti, on returning from an exploring expedition in the neighborhood, found Pompon had pre- scribed the application of the cooling water to the inflamed ankle and had employed little of the yellow salve possessed of wonderful curative powers that he always carried with him.
 The next morning, after meal that still further diminished their stock of food, and refreshing draught at the spring, they resumed their march. They were headed in a westerly direc- tion that would eventually bring them to the Niagara river. It would then be easy by following it's course to reach the fort. Naturally. Tonu made but slow progress, handicapped as he was with the double load. The second day ended without any signs of pursuit, so that they began to feel easy in regard to that point. But an equally serious danger presented itself. Their food was almost exhausted and they had no means of obtaining more. A few ber- ries here and there were all that they had been able to find. Pompon had made numerous efforts to kill bird or rabbit, but without success. They struggled bravely on. At length after two days had passed without their hav- ing had a morsel with which to renew their strength, Pompon resolved on desperate measures They were still so far from their destination that at their present progress it would take a week before arriving there. But Pom pon knew that it would take longer still, for he had watched the increased efforts made by Tonti to cover the ac- customed distance; had seen his feet falter. and tottering take the place of the firmness of stride and spring of step that existed at first. He thought carefully, and finally announced that he had found a means of providing them with food on the morrow.
 Wait until morning and promise you both shall have something to eat"
 In the morning. when Tonti arose. Pompon was nowhere to be found. On a strip of bark beside the spring was a quantity of pounded maize and tiny piece of smoke meat. Tonti under- stood 1t. ,7 Pompon had secreted por- tion of his food each day and saved it for some such emergency. His disap- pearance he readily interpreted as an effort to advance at a more rapid rate than was possible with the others and secure assistance.
 Renee exclaimed at Pompon's fore thought, and made Tonti eat the larg- CT share. They proceeded together as best they could the next two days. At length Tonti, completely worn out, awakened to find himself so weak and giddy he could not rise. There was but one thing to do; they would have to await the result of Pompon's errand. If he himself were to fall by the way they could at least die together. Two days more passed. The two lovers, their hearts filled with the calm joy of a known but untold love. watched the evening shadows descend almost with the fear that the morrow might bring the aid that would at once save them and banish forever the sweet season of companionship that had been theirs. Tonti awakened before dawn. The thousand confused voices of the night were hushed as if in expectant wait ing of the coming day. Far off he heard the quavering call of a night bird. that he recognized as the voice of Pompon. Nearer and nearer 1t ap- preached. He answered it: again it