Mexico Missouri message., 1916-10-19
CHAPTER xxI--contInued.

All could do was pray, and wait.
Perhaps no word would be given me-
the escape might already be accom-
pllshed, and left here to my fate.
Boisrondet knew nothing Of my deci-
sion to accompany D'Artigny In his
exile. II the way was difficult and
dangerous, he might not consider 1t
essential to communicate with me at
all. De Tonty had promised, to be
sure. yet he might have failed to so
instruct the younger man. 1 chung to
the window, the agony Of this posi-
bility driving me wild.
Mon Dieu! was that a noise over
head? I could see nothing, yet, as
leaned farther out, q cord touched my
face. grasped 1t, and drew the dan
Cling end in. 1t was weighted with
bit of wood. a single coal glOwed in
the fireplace, and from this l ignited
n splinter barely yielding me light
enough to declpher the few words
traced on the white surface: safe so
far; have you any wordF"
My veins throbbed; I could have
screamed in delight, or sobbed in sud
den Joy and relief. fairly crept to
the open window on hands and knees,
animated now with but one thought
one hOpe--the desire not to be left
there behind, alone. / hung far out,
my face upturned, staring into the
darkness. The distance was not great,
only few feet to the roof above, yet
h., fvh ha fhA
above me blended imperceptibly
against the sky. l could perceive no
movement, no outline. Could they
have already gone? Was it possible
that they merely dropped this brief
message, and instantly vanished? No.
the cord still dangled; somewhere in
that dense gloom Ahe two men peered
over the roof edge, waiting my re-
Spouse.
Monsieur" called up softly, I'M
able to restrain my eagerness.
Eyes, madame it was D'Artigny's
voice, although a mere whisper. "You
have some word for me?
"Ay, listen; is there any way by
which l can join your?
"Join me-here?" establishment at
my request made him incoherent.
"Why, madame, the risk is great"
"Never mind that; my reason is wor-
thy, nor have we time now to discuss
the matter. Monsieur Boisrondet, is
there wayT
I heard them speak to each other,
a mere murmur OF sound; then another
voice reached my ears clearly.
1--WE have a strong grass rope, ma
dame which will safely bear your
weight. The risk will not be great.
1 have made a moose, and will lower
It,"
reached 1t with my hand, but felt
a doubt as my fingers clasped it.
"'Tls very small, monsieur"
"But strong enough for double your
weight as twas Indian woven. Put
foot in the moose, and hold tight.
There are two of us holding it above"
The memory of the depth below
frightened me. yet crept forth on the
narrow sill, clinging desperately to the
taut rope, until felt my foot safely
pressed into the moose, which frightened
firmly about it.
"Now," said, barely able to make
my lips speak. 81 am ready"
"Then swing clear, madame; We'll
hold you SAFE"
I doubt If It was a full minute in
which l swung out over that gulf amid
the black night. My heart seemed to
stop beating, and l retained no sense
other than to cling desperately to the
Bwaying cord which alone held me
from being dashed to death on the Jag
ged rocks below. Inch by inch they
drew me up, the continuous jerks
yielding a sickening sensation, but the
distance was so short could scarcely
realize the full! danger, before DAT
tigny grasped me with his hands, and
drew me in beside him on the roof
stood upon my feet, trembling from
excitement yet encouraged in my pur-
pose by his first words of welcome.
adele" he exclaimed, forgetful OF
the presence of his comrpde. "Surely
you had serious cause for joining us
here"
"Am / welcome, monsieurT
"Can you doubt? Yet surely it was
not merely to say farewell that you
assumed such risk?"
"No, monsieur, it was not to say
farewell / would accompany you in
your fight. Do not start like that
at my words; cannot see your face
perhaps If could should lose cour
age. have made my choice, mon
sieur. l will not remain the slave Of
NJ. Cassion. Whether for good or evil
/ give you my faith"
"You--you," his hands grasped mine
"YOu mean You will go with me int
exile, into the woodsT
''Yes, monsieur"
But do you realize what 1t al
means? l aR fugitive, hunted
man; never again can venture with
in French civilization. l must Hive
among savages. No, no, Adele, thu
sacrifice is too great. l cannot accep
OF IT,"