Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-15

A K N s.s 4s N M along tho floor, which reminds mo that time passes. Perhaps may ind . so- lution to your riddle some day"
 After Tonti had left the room From tenac sat awhile buried in thought. At length his brow cleared, his lips parted In smile, and he laughed at some idea that occurred to him. He evidently relished his little joke. for the next week the mere sigtt of Tonti or Renee In the distance w\s sufficient to set, his sides a-shakingN \ The savor of his jest was so enjoyable that 1t kept him In excellent humor at the next council meeting, so that for the first time since the arrival of Duchesneau there was absolutely no friction. His merri- ment even followed him into sleep. and he found himself awaking with a laugh on more than one occasion. He sent for Renee one day, and. taking her hand in his great palm, said kindly: Ma chere, have been con- sidering the request you made me, and am persuaded that you are right. Il believe indeed it is for your best happi- ness that you should go. I will send you to Montreal with the nun that ac- companies you, there to await the ar- rival of the rest of the expedition that am dispatching to the relief of La Salle, and which will be large enough to protect you. Then" he added with twinkle in his eye, "I know you will not find in the woods another rascal as base as you believe M. Tonti to be-" To Tonti he said in farewell:
 T have been thinking over your predicament of mind. and can give you no solution now. Time will determine all things and set matters right. Now banish all thoughts of love, and back with all speed to your comrades. l have made arrangements for the most important load of all to be shipped from Montreal When you arrive there you will receive it. Guard 1t with your very life, and convey it in your own canoe, as it will prove indeed to be a treasure for La Salle."
 He watched Tonti's figure grow smaller and smaller in the distance, and finally turned away with sigh and the enigmatical remark, 4"I have done the best could. If they do not find themselves, it will not be my fault" z.
 AS they padded up the stream on the return voyage, the men kept time to an old chanson that they sang Justify. Tontl did not join in the song. His mind and heart were filled with a strasge perplexity. He had been un- able to see Renee again during his stay in Quebec. and rumors had reached him that she had left again for some distant point on an errand of mercy. Her refusal to recognize him still ranked in his heart. He knew not what he could have done to merit her disapproyal. He had intended speaking to her of La Salle and telling her of his bravery and determination thinking that she would be content to talk to him. and thus, although it were to discuss the excellencies of his rival, he would find certain sweet satisfac- tion in being with her Then, too. what would his comrade think when he told him that he had seen her, and yet brought no message from her? A feeling of weariness passed over him, that weariness of living that comes at times to every man. as the result of baflled, endeavor or hope deferred, that
 clogging effect of our imperfect human nature upon the ever-buoyant spiritual. But the thought of the patient, stead- fast heart awaiting him, that wayered not nor faltered, although surrounded on every hand by foes open and secret, by the giant obstacles of nature, and the checks of chance and circumstance. quickened Tonti's fortitude and pur- pose, until his paddle cleft the water and tossed It's glistening spray as gal
 lantly as any voyageur.
 Renee waited at Montreal the arrival of the party with feeling of relief and happiness. The voyage from Que bee had been made without discomfort, and as long as the leagues. were left behind her spirits had risen, and she had given herself up to the enjoyment of the healthful. vigorous life about her. At length it was announced that the fleet had arrived, and her escort was in waiting. She thereupon re- paired with her companion to the riverside to embark, with a light heart, full of hope for the long jour- ney before her. Upon nearing the de- signated place she caught the glint from the paddles of group of canoes that had already started, and saw the one remaining craft that awaited their arrival. On reaching the landing, she beheld the leader engaged in conver- sation with one of the fur-traders. He turned toward her. and she recog- nized in him the man from whom she had fled. She saw him start and flush. as though with feigned surprise. She stood rooted tc the spot in aston ishment and anger. How he could have learned of her proposed expedi- tion she could not comprehend, as she had taken great care at Quebec that her destination should not be known; no one but the superior and Fronte- mac knew, and she did not believe that either of these would betray her. The presumption of the man who. knowing her aversion to him. had forced his society upon her was insufferable. But