Middletown transcript., 1916-10-21
CHAPTER xM-continued.
LID

Perhaps no Worc Woul0 De gwen me
che escape might already be accom-
plished, and l left here to my fate.
BOisrOndet knew nothing Of my deci-
sion to accompany D'Artigny In his
exile. If the way was difficult and
dangerous, he might not consider it
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-
bjlity driving me wild.
Mon Dieui was that a noise over
head? I could see nothing. yet, as
leaned farther out. a cord touched my
face. l grasped it. and drew the dan
Cling end in. 1t was weighted with a
bit Of wood. A single coal glOwed in
the fireplace, and from this I ignited
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 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. I hung far out,
my face upturned, staring into the
darkness. The distance was not great.
only few feet to the roof above, yet
90 black was the night that the edge
above me blended imperceptibly
against the sky. 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 the two men peered
over the roof edge, waiting nay re-
sponse.
Monsieur" I called up softly, IN
able to restrain my eagerness.
Yes. madame" it was D'Artigny's
voice, although a mere whisper. "YOu
have some word for me?"
LAY, listen; is there any way by
which l can join yOu?"
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 a way"
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.
I have made a moose. and will lower
It."
l reached it with my hand. but felt
a doubt as my fingers clasped it.
"'Tis 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 I 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: wen
hold you safe"
I doubt If It was a full minute in
which | swung Our 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 sickening sensation. but the
distance was so short I could scarcely
realize the full danger. before D'Af-
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 comrade. "Surely
you had serious cause for joining as
here"
Am I welcome, monsieurF
Can you doubt? Yet surely it was
not merely to say farewell that you
assumed such risk?"
mo. monsieur. 1t was not to say
farewell. l 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. l have made my choice. mon
sieur. | 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 into
exile. into the wOOds7"
Yes, monsieur"
"But do you realize what It all
means? am a fugitive. 9 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, mOnsieur?"
mon Dieu-yes"
'Then there is no sacrifice. MY
heart would break here. GOdI Would
you doom me to live out my life with
that brute-that murderer? ! am a
young woman. a mere girl. and this
is my one chance to save myself from
hell am not afraid of the woods. OF
exile. Of anything, so am with you. ]
would rather die than go to him-to
confess him husband. "
The lady is right Rene" BoisrOndet
said earnestly. You. must think of
her as we'll AZ Yourself"