Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1905-10-19
CHAPTER XX.-CoxTryuED.

CHAPTER XX-CoNTINuED
The two men retired to the other end
of the lodge and conversed in low
tones concerning their future disposi-
tion. Tonti was inclined to consider
that the arrival of the head chief would
result in their being set at liberty and
a safe conduct being furnished as far
as Fort Niagara. AkieSko took a more
gloomy view of their situation. The
recent attack on the white settlements
along the st. Lawrence by the Iroquois
and their repulse, would probably
make them at least unfriendly toward
the French, while the fact of their be-
ing at continual warfare with his own
tribe would render them apt to seek
revenge for former hostilities on the
person of the captured warrior. Tonri
assured him that he would demand
his safety and release as strongly as
his own, and felt that the offer of the
reward he would make would overcome
any feeling of enmity they might have
against his nation.
Toward night the noise of the re-
turning braves was heard and the hum
of many voices telling of their sue
cess came to the ears of the waiting
French. The sound approached the
lodge where they were, and soon the
doorway was darkened by human forms
as a group of men entered. Tonti
stepped forward to meet the famous
chief whose terrible name had reached
his ears when he had stopped at Fort
Niagara, as he heard a voice inquiring
in cultural Iroquois for his prisoners.
One of the Indians threw a quantity
OF light fuel on the fire, causing it to
blaze up suddenly and illuminate fully
the gloomy interior. Tonti was some
what surprised at seeing the small
stature of the renowned chief, as we'll
as the light tint of his skin. As he
took further stride, Tonti started
back in astonishment, as he Tecog-
nized the painted features of the man.
Mile tonneTres! lie Comte de
MiEon!" he cried.
The warrior, too, made a sudden
spasmodic movement of surprise as
he stared at him. He speedily re-
pressed this emotion and bowed grave
ly with a ferocious CLEAN in his eye,
while the outlines of a branded fleur-
de-lis on his cheek seemed to glow
through the paint, as he replied in
French, ''M lie Capitaine Tonti, I be-
lieye." His glance CHANGED to wan
der toward the other end of the room,
where Renee, awakened from slum-
ber by the noise outside, had pulled
aside her curtain and stood with white
face and pupils dilating with horror.
Fle made an eager step forward in
ready recognition. Then turning to
his Indian companions, he dismissed
them by gesture and the three whites
were alone, save for Akiesko, who re-
treated to the darkest corner.
We'll, friends" he said with a de-
moniac smile, eve are well met. You,
monsieur, who thought me dead 1000
leagues away, and you, mademoiselle,
who had forgotten me and who are
more beautiful than ever even in your
convent garb, indeed do me honor
he continued in mocking tone, "to
have come so many weary miles in
order to visit me in my savage lodge.
1t must have been a difficult Journey
that you have made, you two together
alone" Here Tonti, who had recov-
cred in great measure from his sur
prise, flushed red and involuntarily
felt at his side for his sword NAY,
curb your restiye spirit" was the
taunting reply to his gesture. ut is
not seemly for guests to seek a quar-
rel with their host. Besides, you have
not the means of defense you had that
cursed day. when you nearly snuffed
out my lamp of life with your steel
blade. For shame, lady present, too,
to see such a display of your angry
passions!"
Have done with your insolence," ="
replied Tonti, haughtily, "and send us
on our way to Fort Niagara with all
possible speed"
Ma fol-" cried the comte in mock
surprise, as he turned toward Renee,
did ever you see such indecent haste
in visitor to leave his entertainer?
'Tis monstrous! Why, he has scarce
arrived and yet he talks of his de-
parture. Nay, nay. my gallant friend
1t would be SCant grace for me to serve
a guest so. For my guest you are and
1 can promise you rare entertainment" +"
he continued, as a baleful glare of
mingled hate and triumphant revenge
darted from his eye "Such as you
monsieur, have never before expert