The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1916-10-19
CHAPTER xxI-cOntInued.

the escape might already be accom-
plIshed, and | left here to my fate.
BolsrOndet knew nothing Of my decl-
sion to accompany D'Artlgny In his
exile. II the way was difficult and
dangerous, he might not consider II
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. clung to
the window. the agony OF this posi-
bility driving me wild.
Mon Dleul was that a noise over
headl could see nothing, yet as /
leaned farther out, a cord touched my
face. grasped IT, and drew the dan
Cling end I'm. II was weighted with a
bit OF wood. A single coal glowed In
the fireplace, and from this I lgnted
a splinter. barely yielding me light
enough to decipher the few words
traced on the white surface "Safe so
far; have you any word?'
MY veins throbbed could have
screamed IN delight, or sobbed in sud
den Joy and relief I 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 a few feet to the roof above, yet
30 black was the night that the edge
above me blended imperceptlbly
against the sky. could perceive no
movement. no outline. Could they
have already gone? Was II possible
that they merely dropped this brief
message, and instantly yanishedl No
the cord still dangIed; somewhere In
that dense gloom the two men peered
over the roof edge, waiting my re-
sponse.
Monsieur" I called up softly, un-
able to restrain my eagerness.
"Yes. madame" II was D'Arigny's
voice although a mere whisper. you
have some word for me"
Gay. listen; is there any way by
which | can join you"
"Join me-hereT astonIshment 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 10 discuss
the matter Monsieur B0isrondet, Is
there a wayT
heard them speak to each other,
a mere murmur OF sound; then another
voice reached my ears clearly.
"We have a strong grass rope, ma
dame. which will safely bear your
weight. The risk will not be great.
have made a moose, and will lower
H."
/ reached It 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 bold tight.
There are two OF MS holding It above y
The memory OF the depth below
frightened me. yet crept forth on the
narrow sill, clinging desperately 10 the
taut rope. until felt my foot safely
pressed into the moose, which tightened
firmly about II.
"Now," I said, barely able TO make
my lips speak. ~ am ready"
"Then swing clear, madame; wen
hold you safe"
doubt n II was a full minute In
which ] swung oN over that gulf amid
the black night My heart seemed to
stop beating. and ! retained no sense
other than to cling desperately TO the
swaying 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 I could scarcely
realize the full danger, before DAT
tlgny grasped me with his hands, and
drew me I'm 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 comrade. Surely
you had serious cause for joining us
here"
"Am / welcome, MONSIEUR
"Can you doubt? Yet surely It was
not merely TO say farewell that you
assumed such riskY
NO monsieur, It was not to say
farewell | would accompany you in
your fight. Do not start ike that
at my words; I cannot see your face
perhaps Il I could l should lose cour-
age. / have made my choice, mon.
sieur viii not remain the slave Of
M Casslon Whether for good or evil,
I give you my faith
"You-you his hands grasped mine.
you mean you will 20 with me into
exile. into the woodsi"
Eyes, monsieur"
"But do you realize what II all
meansl I am a fugitive, a hunted
man; never again can I venture with
In French civilization. ! must live
among savages No, no, Adele, the
sacrifice is too great. cannot accept
Of IT,"
"Do you love me, monsieurl"
"Aiou Dieu-yes.
"Then there is no sacrifice. Ny
hesrt would break here Godl Would
you doom me to live out my life with
that blute-that murdererl am a
young woman, a mere girl, and this
Is my one chance to save myself from
hell ans not afraid Of the woods, Of
exile, OF anything, so am with you. |
would rather die than go 10 him-to