Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1905-12-21

1
and a 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
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.
I'VE shall return this at the first
relay" said Tonti, as they swung into
the road at a good gallop. Ma fol!
I do not object to using a 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
need of our not losing time by stop
ping to feed them. We have ten
leagues before us and that means five
SOOu hOulo VI SouulO WIN. I1o"-
ever, with another mans horses and
your own whip one can accomplish
a great DEAL" was Pompon's advice.
AS they warmed to their task, the
horses showed their splendid breeding
and staying powers. On they went
all the afternoon through the heavy
rain that had closed down upon them.
Towards dark the signs of approach
to a town, much larger than the viii
lagos they had passed through, warned
them of their first halting-place.
Just before crossing a small bridge
two men sprang out and seized both
horses by the brides; at the same
time each presented a loaded pistol at
their heads.
"We want no money, gentlemen"
came a gruff voice from n of them,
1--WE need jewelry. Have you any
rings about your"
Tonti looked at Pompon, who
nodded. He then handed the ring
which the unknown had provided them
with to the speaker, who took it, and,
ldliCl disappear lnS W oOlilC Aooh
he had the means of making a light
to examine it, returned in a few mo-
ments.
"They are the ones" said he to his
companion, as he returned the ring to
Tonti. At this the brides were re-
leased and the men removed their
hats. "You must be in Orleans by
morning." the leader said, respectful
ly. "Wait here and refresh yourselves
with the food and wine you have with
you. We shall return shortly, bringing
fresh horses"
In due time they were on their way
again on new mounts, feeling heart
ened by the wine and food consumed,
On through the drizzling night they
went, Pompon showing a strange ia
miliarity with the road whenever any
question of that character arose.
Thus they advanced, showing the
talismanic circlet whenever required
and receiving in return fresh horses
a hiding-place to sleep, and different
DISCUSSES, so that their progress could
not be traced. On they Jared through
Blois, Tours and Chinon, LouGon ant
Parthenay, and over the mountains tt
Fontenay. Here their mysterious rims
procured them a guide, who conducted
them by a roundabout way, avoiding
the city of La Rochelle itself, to thu
coast, and along the waters edge to {
! cave worn by the waves out of thu
rock, where they could overlook thu
harbor and see the ship Saint Hon
ORE that was to bear them to new
{ lands riding at anchor not half
: league away. They watched it day b.
day, as boat-lcads Of provisions, can
) non, soldiers, and passengers wer'
taken out and placed on board. Thei
faithful guide remained with them
! going out at night for food and for in
formation relative to the progress 0
the vessels lading. Thus passed sew
eral weeks, and they were beginnin!
l to weary of their confinement whel
: news came that La Sale had arrived
and that the vessel would sail at tn
turn of the tide the next evening
: Their guide also learned that a thor
4 ough search of the ship had been mad
s for them by the soldiers, and that
: final visit would be made before darf
$ The boatman pulled hard at tn
oars, and they soon found themselve
n nearing the ship. A few lights on he
: decks served to render the confusio
existing there Visible, but they wer
not bright enough to illuminate tn
e waters about the vessel, while tn
f noise of departure-her anchor was al
n ready raised and her small forwar
d sails set-made a cautious approac
: unne eessary. At last they foun
themselves directly under her sterr
n and the ripping of the water warne
them to hasten ere she got fully ur
der weigh. BY the advice of the boat
g man, Pompon, agile as a cat, swun
himself up on to a small sWingin
{ scaffold that had been used in paint
d ing the stern of the vessel, and ha
g been overlooked in the hurry of sal.
q ing, with a small leather pouch tie
h to his body that he had brought wit
him from Paris. Tonti then handle
UP his sword, and with a parting boos
from the boatman soon found himse
d crouched alongside Pompon. A fragil'
II swaying seat 1t was indeed, but SAT-
for they would not dare to climb t
r. the deck above until the vessel ha
n cleared the harbor.
It Thus did three men sail or tn
d saint Honore," parting from til
sunny land Of France with divers
emotions. In the stern stood La Sail
looking back at the fast-receding light
of La Rochelle, m%urInuring the wore
of that plaintive song Of Mary Stual
as she sailed from Calais.
i .'Adieu! oh PLEASANT pays,