Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-10-10
CHAPTER XXI.
We Reach the River.

We Reach the River.
! 1t was the voice OF BOisrondet which
recalled Us to a sense OF danger.
1T is late. and we must not Hnger
here" he insisted, touching D'Artigny's
sleeve. The guard may discover your
| absence. Rene. before we get beyond
the stockade. Yet how can we get
| madame safely over the logs?'
! '-She must venture the same as We.
Follow me closely, and tread with
| care"
So dark was the night I was obliged
to trust entirely to D'ArJigny's guild
auce, but il was evident that both men
were familiar with the way. and had
/ thoroughly considered the best method
Of escape. No doubt De Tonty and
! his young lieutenant had arranged all
| details, so as TO assure success. We
traversed the fat roofs Of the chain Of
log houses along the west side Of the
4 stOckade until we came TO the end.
| The only light visible was Il dull glow
| of embers before the guardhOuse near
the center Of the parade, which re-
| The stockade extended some distance
/ beyond where we halted. erouched low
on the fat roof TO escape being seen.
/ There would be armed men along that
| wall, especially near the gates, guard
/ ing against attack. but the darkness
gave Us no glimpse. There was no
firing. no movement to be perceived.
[ 70, Cd nd
| looked cautiously over, and | chung
close 10 D'Artigny. nervous from the
silence, and afraid to become se-arat-
| ed. Below US was the dense bias Aness
/ Of the gorge.
This is the spot" whispered DAT
! tigny, land no alarm yet How far
/ to the rocks?''
DE Tonty figured the distance at
| forty feet below the stockade; we have
| fifty feet Of rope here. The rock shelf
/ is narrow, and the great risk will be
not to stop off in the darkness. There
| should be an iron ring here somewhere
| -ay. here il is; help me draw the knot
taut. Rene"
do we-do we go down here, mon
sieurp' l questioned. my voice falter
ing.
| Here. or not at all; there are guards
posted yonder every two yards. This
| is our only chance TO escape unseen"
| BOisrondet tested the rope. letting ii
| slip slowly through his hands down
| into the darkness below, until it hung
| at full length. 1T does not touch" he
said. yet it cannot lack more than a
| foot or two. Faith! We must take the
risk. l go first Rene-hush! tbs best
so-the lady would prefer that you
remain. while l test the passage The
| devil himself may be waiting there"
| He gazed down. balancing himself on
the edge. the cord gripped in his hands.
Now mind my word; once on the
| rock below, / will signal with three
| jerks on the cord. Haul up then slow
", so as to make no noise; make &
moose for the lady's foot. and lower her
with care You have the strength
LAY. for twice her weight"
Good: there will be uaught TO fear.
madame. for l will be below TO aid
| your footing. When l give the signal
again Rene will descend and join us"
The rope is to be left dangling?'
only until I return. Once leave
you safe beyond the Iroquois. It's my
part TO climb this rope again. Some
task that" cheerfully. yet De Tonty
deems it best that no evidence connect
US with this escape. What make you
the hourT'
| Between one and two
Which will give me time before
| day dawn; so here. chance it"
He swung himself over the edge, and
mystery. We leaned over TO watch.
but could see nothing. our only evil
dence of his progress the jerking OF the
cord. D'Arsigny's hand closed on mine.
Dear" he whispered tenderly. I'VE
are alone now-you are sorry?"
u am happier than have ever been
in my life" l answered honestly. II
have done what | believe TO be right.
and trust God. All care to know now
is that you love me-"
With every throb OF my hear"
he said solemnly. ut is my love which
makes me dread lest you regret"
That will never be. monsieur;
am of the frontier. aud do not fear the
woods. All! he has reached the rock
safely-'tis the signal"
D'Artigny drew up the cord. testing
II TO make sure the strands held firm,
and made careful moose. into which he
slipped my foot
Now, Adele, you are ready?"
Yes, sweetheart: kiss me first"
| You have no fear?''
Not with your strong bands to sup
| port. but do not keep me waiting long
| below"
Ay. but l was frightened as l swung
of into the black void. clinging de,-
| perately TO that slight rope. steadily
sinking downward. Ny body rubbed
against the rough logs. and then
against rock. Once a jagged edge
wounded me, yet dare not release my
| grip. or utter & sound. sank down,
down. the strain ever greater on my
nerves. l retained no knowledge of
distance. but grew apprehensive of
what awaited me below. Would the
rope reach to the rock? Would l swing
clear? Even as these thoughts began
to horrify. felt hand grip me. and
Boisrondet's whisper gave cheerful
greeting.
at is all right, madame: release your
/ foot, and trust me. Good. now do not