The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1906-03-30
~>Y
OA ROSE OFN
NORMANDY
WILLIAM r. A. WILSON
81
CHAPTER XIX.-UoNTINuRD.

CHAP Alh.-coNTlNUkD.
"How know you It was 1? Could
not any n of the numerous female
friends you must have at court have
done as much?"
"True, mademoiselle, but they would
not. Court friends are but friends If
all goes well with one. When adver-
sity sets in they speedily forget you.
You will pardon me If l say that l
knew Of no n save yourself who
would show such disinterested kind
ness TO : man IN need Of aid. Be-
sides, I CHANGED to see at Quebec a
note addressed to Frontenac that he
said he had received from you. The
handwriting was the same as that
which was handed me after the duel"
In spite of herself, Renee felt a thrill
of pleasure as she heard the express
sion of his high opinion Of her. This,
however, was instantly replaced by
a feeling of chagrin. as she realized
from his last wotds it had been after
all but a surmiss On his part.
"Grnnt, then, tAat 1t was l." she said.
at was but reINying a debt I owed
you. 1t was because of me that the
quarrel originated. would have done
as much for any We are then
quits"
81 dared not hope 1t was for any per-
sonal reason" replied Tonti, sadly.
But tell me one thing, mademoiselle,
and I shall weary you no further.
What have I done to merit the dis
dam you have shown me ever since
we met in New France? OF what
wrong or ~discourtesy have l been
ruilty?"
mo wrong Rave you done me-" was
Abe animated .eply. "If you will know
I shall tell you. 1t Is because Of the
disappointment / can but feel to find
that I have aided one so unworthy;
because of the shame at recalling that
those lips that have uttered such false
vows have pressed this hand. II you
seek further reason, go to your wife
and child SO cruelty abandoned in
Paris, find Madame BLIZZARD, ask them.
Meanwhile, know that your presence
10 distasteful, that l scorn to receive
your attentions; in fact, that l hate
you'll" and Renee pressed her hand to
her heart, that throbbed 81 love you"
IN spite Oh ner WORDS.
Tonti gave a start of surprise and
murmured, "That woman again!"
Then gathering himself up proudly, he
replied: What evil deeds or crimes
you may impute to me l know not. l
shall, however, continue in my duty
to my friend, and not desist In my en-
deavors for your comfort and safety.
I thank you for this interview" and
gathering up his load, he bowed and
left the spot, angry with himself at
finding that in spite Of her wrath she
was magnificent, and realizing how
deeply he loved her.
Within a few days all was ready for
shoir departure. The men sailed away
In the vessel laden with stores and
provisions, while Tonti' embarked with
the two women, Pompon, and the Mo-
hogan warrior in a large canoe, and,
turning It's prov southwark soon crossed
the end Of the lake in safety to its
southern shore. Toward Renee he main
tanned the same attitude that he had
before their recent interview. Again
was her comfort sought in every way.
When the wind blew strong or the
Weduner tuTedleueu, q SuOp WAS Hdue
and they delayed until the skies had
cleared and the water was once more
calm. Game was not abundant, but
fsh were easily caught. Occasionally,
when this diet became unpalatable, a
camp was built, and several days were
spent at rest, while the Indian made
q trip toward the interior for venison
or bear. No savages were seen, and
Tonti hoped to be able to pass by the
country of the Iroquois without meet.
ing them. Over one-half of the dis.
lance was traversed without mishap
and they were opposite to that por'
ton Of the country inhabited by the
Eenecas, the westernmost nation OF the
~troquois ~confederacy, when disaster
overlook them.
They were proceeding alGaS close tt
The shore because Of the slight rough.
ness Of the water, and were making al
haste In order to Bet over this stage
Ut their journey ~ rapidly as posi-
tile. whcf, they suddenly struck against
che ragged edge of a rock just bidder
beneath the surface Of the water
Suck WAS the force Of the blow thaA