Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-10-06
CHAPTER XXI.
We Reach the River.

We Reach the River.
It was the voice of Boisrondet which
recalled us to a sense Of danger.
ct is late, and we must not linger
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?'
4.She must venture the same as we.
Follow me closely, and tread with
care.''
SO dark was the night was obliged
to trust entirely to D'Artigny's guild
ance, but it 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 fiat roofs of the chain OF
log houses along the west side of the
stockade until we came to the end.
The only light visible was dull glow
of embers before the guardhOuse near
the center of the parade, which re-
vealed a group of soldiers on duty.
The stockade extended some distance
beyond where we halted, crouched low
on the fiat 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.
The two men crept to the edge, and
looked cautiously over, and | chung
close to D'Artigny, nervous from the
silence, and afraid to become separat-
ed. Below us was the dense blackness
of the gorge.
'.This is the spot" whispered DAT
tigny, "and 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 it is; help me draw the knot
taut. Rene"
"Do we-do we go down here, mon
sieur?" 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 it
slip slowly through his hands down
into the darkness below, until it hung
at full length. "It does not TOUCH" he
said. syet it cannot lack more than a
foot or two. Faith! We must take the
risk. I go first Rene-hush! it's best
so-the lady would prefer that you
remain, while I test the passage. The
devil himself may be waiting there"
He gazed down, balancing himself on
the edge, the cord gripped in his hands.
sNow mind my word; once on the
rock below, I 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 strengthY'
"Ay, for twice her weight"
"Good; there will be naught to fear,
madame, for | will be below to aid
your footing. When I give the signal
again Rene will descend and join u.s."
''The rope is to be left dangling?"
SOnly until 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 hour?"
Between one and two
(Which will give me time before
day dawn; so here, l chance IT,
He swung himself over the edge, and
slipped silently down into the black
mystery. We leaned over to watch,
but could see nothing, our only evi-
dence Of his progress the jerking Of The
cord. D'Artigny's hand closed on mine.
"Dear," he whispered tenderly, ''we
are alone now-you are sorry?"
II am happier than have ever been
in my life,' / 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 heart, "
he said solemnly. ut is my love which
makes me dread lest you regret
'sThat will never be, monsieur; !
am of the frontier, and do not fear the
woods. All! he has reached the rock
safely-'tis the signal"
D'Artigny drew up the cord, testing
| 1t to make sure the strands held firm,
and made careful moose, into which he
slipped my foot.
Nov, Adele, you are ready7"
Eyes, sweetheart; kiss me first"
''You have no fear?''
"Not with your strong hands to sup.
port, but do not keep me waiting long
below"
Ay, but was frightened as swung
| off into the black void, clinging des-
perately to that slight rope, steadily