The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1906-03-30
sand was warm, and by lying on It

they we're able to gather sufficient heat
for comfort. Aside from their prox-
nifty to the dreaded ~Iroquois. other
dangers threatened them. All OF their
guns. ammunition, and provisions had
been lost in the wreck of the canoe;
they were thus without food and with
the prospect of a long weary march
before them. After consulting among
themselves. It was determined to make
for Fort Niagara as rapidly as posi-
BILE. Akiesko climbed the nearest tall
tree to get a view of the surrounding
country. He could make out no signs
Of Indians. They remained where they
were for a day in order to regain their
strength. During this time the Indian
was able to set a trap and caught a
rabbit, which he brought back in tri-
umph. This had to be eaten raw 1t
was not a palatable dish for Renee,
but she recognized the necessity Of
fortifying herself against the fatigues
Of the journey and bravely ate rs
much as she could. A few berries were
also found.
They made but a short distance the
first day, as Renee, unaccustomed to
walking far, soon became foot-sore.
They followed the shore of the lake
as closely as possible, both because Of
the easier walking found there and al
so to keep near a supply of fresh water.
At night they sought shelter beneath
a tree. and each of the men took turns
in watching, while Renee, wrapped in
Tonti's coat, slept soundly after the
fatigue of the day. They proceeded
thus for a week, ~scantily supplied with
food, although Akiesko exerted all of
his skill and ingenuity in his %endeavors
to entrap small game or catch an &C.
casional fish, and they had progressed
so far that Tonti began to feel easier
as to their ultimate safety. One day
they were resting about noon beneath
a tall ~fir-tree when Pompon was sud-
denly seized with the desire to climb
to the top after a possible nest that he
thought he .spled high up among the
branches. He had hardly reached the
upper limbs when Tonti, glancing up,
was attracted by the vigorous signs he
was making. They were signs Of alarm
and caution. The rest Immediately be.
came silent and waited. Within a mo,
ment there emerged into the little
clearing near which they stood a band
of some two score warriors, evidently
a hunting party from their dress. Al
the same instant they caught sight Of
the little shipwrecked group beneath
the tree and advanced toward then
with a shout. Tonti stepped forward
and made signs Of peace. The Indians
proved t. be a band Of Senecas Of theil
way to the lake to fish. Their leader
stepped a pace nearer than the rest
and, addressing Tonti, said with
grunt, Who are your"
Tonti replied: 1--WE are friends o
the great Onontio of Quebec. He send
his greetings to his children and bid
you aid us. We have lost u wa!
and ask you to help us. If you will
furnish us with food and a guide t.
his house by the Great Falls he will re
ward you"
THE hand of Onontio is weak, an
he sometimes sleeps. We have not see
him for a long time; perhaps he
dead. He does not love us or he woul,
not send the black gowns among us t
c bewiteh our children, o the trade!
l who cheat us of skins. If you wer
! his friends he would not have Above
you Il start upon so long a journe
without providing you with food an
guns. My white brother lies. : TIL
! French at this house beside the Grea
Falls are not our friends, for the
have made our young men drunk wit
l brandy and then killed them. I a d
. nothing for you; you must return wit
us to our village. There the great chic
: Wolf, he whom you French call Il
i Loup,' will decide"
Resistance was useless, as durin
l this ~harangue the savages had scat
I tered and now completely surrounde
3 the party. A seeming friendly complt
ance was the best course, so ToHti re
plying said:
= I'VE will go with you to your vi
!. lage and there smoke the peace pip
with your chief. He will restore on
strength and go with us to the Ores
Falls and receive his reward"
a The party then took up their retur
march. Tonti and his companions we
! not molested in any way. but. wer
treated with all kindness. He keI
. lear Renee, who, afirighted at tn
= sight Of SO many half-naked redmel
= seemed to forget her former antipath
. and imperceptibly moved closer I
q him. Pompon. unseen, was left b.
4 hind, sheltered by the branches Of Ii
!, giant fir.
|, CHAPTER XXX.