A printer cartridge including a leak resistant ink reservoir, a wicking mechanism and an inking apparatus. The reservoir is for a predetermined quantity of ink and resists leakage by an arrangement of venting and dispensing apertures arranged and provided with barriers. The wicking mechanism combines compressible capillary tubing with an applicator, so that pressure on the applicator squeezes the capillary tubing to provide both pumping and capillary transfer of ink from the reservoir to the applicator. The inking apparatus intermittently presses against the applicator to pick up a film of ink and to provide the pumping action for the wicking mechanism. The inking apparatus includes two belts that receive ink from the applicator and apply it to upper and lower zones of a printer ribbon. The ink is then allowed to diffuse into the central impact zone of the ribbon.