The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1906-01-26

d.
Ing away his sword and falling on his
Had this plan occurred to him when
he was still himself, calm end reason
able, he might have done 30, but now,
with his brain a-whirl and the shak-
ing fear In possession of him, he
judged Tonti by his W standards Of
honor and believed that he would In
turn assassinate him in cold blood
ven as he had attempted to do nim-
self but q short time before. His last
hope was gone. Perhaps the charm
would save him yet.
"Ten!"'
A cry Of fear broke from him and
with It came a last appeal to satan for
assistance.
At the word Tonti executed the
stroke he had planned, his foes sword
was turned, and his own sword-point
running along inside his guard entered
his breast above the heart, and he
sank to the ground with a groan, while
a red stream gushed from his mouth
and chest.
Dead dogs do not bite; still, this
Is bad work, mon ami; We must leave
quickly" said a familiar voice; and
Tonti, looking into the mufled face of
his driver, recognized Pompon. Be-
fore they could say anything further
the driver of the other carriage ran
UP and presented a note to Tonti. 1t
was written in a feminine hand and
ran as follows:
The death of the Compile de Miron will
be promptly avenged. You must flee at
once without returning IN the city. Obey
whatever the bearer of this cote rug
gests.
1t was unsigned. Tonti was srspi.
cious, SO, handing the note TO Pom
pom, he questioned the driver, endeav-
oring to elicit from him some informal
ton as to the identity Of the writer.
but 1t was of no avail.
81 was to tell you that behind yon-
der clump Of trees you would find two
horses. Take them and set out for
Etampes. Take this ring, and when
asked by any one to show 1t, produce
it and you will be helped to La Ro-
chelle and kept in hiding until your
ship sails. Surrender it when you
reach the end of your road to whom
soever asks for 1t. Further than that
I cannot speak, but l pray you make
haste"
Pompon approached during this
speech.
His advice is good. If it is treach-
cry we can but be caught. If we re-
turn to the city we shall surely not
escape. l prefer the chances of treach-
cry in the open country to a certainty
of the Bastille in Paris. 1t is better
to make conditions in the brush than
in prison. Thinking some such emor-
gency might arise l brought some of
your clothes, our supply of money,
and a few things for myself. They
are under the eat of my carriage. I
shall get them"
Tontl finally yielded, and the two
leaving the dying man in care of the
agent Of their unknown friend, they
proceeded in the direction pointed out
Behind the trees stood two magnificent
English horses, all ready for the road,
with p%rovender 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!
| do not object to using q strangers
horses to make my escape, but will
not touch his gold"
Judging by the fodder for the
horses, they think that there is urgent
need Of u not losing time by STOP
ping to feed them. We have ten
leagues before us and that means five
good hours of saddle work. How
ever, with another mans horses and
your W 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 vii.
lagos they had passed through, warned
them of their first hating place.
Just before crossing a small bridge
two men sprang out and seized bott
horses by the brides; at the same
time each presented a loaded pistol al
their heads.
we want no money, gen....emen.'
came q gruff voice from one Of them
I'VE need jewelry. Have you any
rings about your"
Tonti looked at Pompon, who
nodded. He then handed the rims
which the unknown had provided them
with to the speaker, who took 1t, and
after disappearing to some nook where
he had the means of making a light
to examine It, returned in a few mo
ments.
"They are the ones" said he to hit
companion, as he returned the ring t.
Tonti. At this the brides were re-
leased and the men removed theil
| kaka GV4., r. H. n-v---- H.