Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1906-03-15

several huge stones in the canoe, Pom
pom cut a hole in its side, and giving
1t a shove sent it out into the lake and
watched it slowly sink, murmuring:
"A sad way to treat a friend who
has aided you"
He then produced a small stock of
provisions that Madame BLIZZARD had
hastily gathered and given him. This
consisted of a piece of smoked meal
and some ground maize. A portion OF
this suficed for their breakfast. They
were about to start on their journey
again when it was found that Renee's
ankle, which had swollen visibly dur
ing their passage over the lake, panied
her SO severely when she touched the
ground with her foot that she was I'M
able to walk a step. This was a grave
question, for every moment lost at this
stage of their progress made the
chances OF their %recapture all the great
er. There was no time to devise any
means OF transport for her. One thing
only could be done. Tonti arose to
the occasion.
"Mademoiselle," he said apologet-
ically, remember that all our lives are
IN danger, and that this is no time to
consult your preferences. You must
proceed. You cannot walk; permit me
to walk for YOU"
"How?" queried Renee in a puzzled
tone.
Ma fol! l must carry you"
he had expected an outbreak at this
proposal, or at least a strong resist
ance, but she only flushed, and, look
ing down, said:
you are the commander of this for
lorn hope, Capitaine Tonti. If there is
no other way, | suppose I'must be ODE
dent"
Thus they started off, Pompon in
the lead, with Tonti bearing Renee in
his arms close behind. At first her
cheeks were a mass Of flame and her
head was well averted. But gradually
the pressure of the great strong, pro-
tecting arms about her brought to her
mind a ems of infinite relief and
restfulness, while the tact and con-
sideration for her embarrassment won
for him her deepest thanks. Thus IT
was that she strove to make the bur-
den lighter and the way less tedious
by her cheerful words and bright
smile.
For Tonti it was exquisite torture.
He knew that it but needed a word
from him and the tired head would
rest upon his shoulder once for all;
That the recital of his love would
bring a 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
n 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 a man struggling against himself.
The first night they encamped on
the messy banks of a bubbling spring,
cold and clear, that, overlooking its
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 a little Of the yellow salve
possessed of wonderful curative powers
that he always carried with him.
The next morning, after a meal that
still further diminished their stock of
food, and a refreshing draught at the
spring, they resumed their march.
They were headed in a westerly direc-
lion that would eventually bring them
to the Niagara river. 1t would then
be easy by following its course to reach
the fort. Naturally, Tonti 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 a 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
far from their destination that at
their present progress 1t would take a
week before arriving there. But POM
pom 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 lettering take the place of
The firmness of stride and spring of
step that existed at first. He thought
carefully, and finally announced that
had found a means of providing
with food on the morrow.
Wait until morning and l promise
you both shall have something to eat"
In the morning, when Tonti arose.
oompon was nowhere to be found. On
strip of bark beside the spring was
quantity of pounded maize and a tiny
)iece Of smoke meat. Tonti under
stood 1t. Pompon had secreted a por-
ion of his food each day and saved It
or some such emergency. His disap-
,earance he, readily interpreted as an
fort to advance at a more rapid rate
han was possible with the others and
ecure assistance.
Renee exclaimed at Pompon's fore