The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1916-10-26
cHAPrER xxI-contInusd.

Perhaps no 'yOrd would be given ne
the escape might already be accom-.
plished. 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 II
essential to communicate with me at
all. De Tcnty had promised, to be
sure, yet ha might have failed to so
instruct the younger man. clung to
the window, the agony of this possl-
bility driving me wild.
Mon Dieu! was that a noise over
head7 l could see nothing. yet, as |
leaned farther out. a cord touched my
face. | graaped 1t, and drew the dan
Cling end iE It was weighted with a
bit Of wood A single coal glowed in
the fireplace, and from this lgnlted
a splinter. barely yielding me light
enough to 5ecipher the few words
traced on thS white surface: Safe so
far; have you any wordF"
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. hung far out,
my face upturned, staring into the
darkness. The distance was not great
only a few feet to the roof above. yet
so 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 1t 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 my re-
sponse
"MOnsiet.f," called up softly. un-
able to restrain my eagerness.
"Yes. madame" 1t was D'Artigny's
voice, although mere whisper. you
have some word for me?"
"Ay, listen; Is there any way by
Vhich can join you?"
Join me-here" 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 to discuss
the matter. Monsieur BoisrOndet, is
there a wayr'
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."
; 1 reached 1t with my hand, but felt |
a doubt as my fingers clasped 1t.
"'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, cllnging desperately to the
taut rope. until felt my foot safely
pressed into the moose, which tightened
firmly about it.
Now" l said, barely able to make
my lips speak. ~ am ready"
Then swing clear, madame; we'n
hold you safe"
doubt If 1t was a full minnie IN
which l swung out over that gulf amid
me black night. My heart seemed to
stop beating. and I retained no sense
otner than to cling desperately to the
sWaying cord which alone held me
from being dashed to death on the lag
geo rocks below. Inch by inch they
Qrew me up. the continuous Jerks
Yielding a sickening sensation, but the
issuance was so short could scarcely
realize the full! danger, before DAFT,
ngny grasped me with his hands, and
1rew 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, forgettul Of
The presence of his comrade. Surely
you had serious cause for joining us
here"
Am l welcome, monsieurY
Can you doubt? Yet surely 1t was
not merely to say farewell that you
such rlsk?"
mo, monsieur, it was not to say
farewell. l would accompany you in
POUR flight. Do not start like that
1t my words; cannot see your face
perhaps If l could should lose cour-
age. have made my choice, mon
'ieur. I will not remain the slave of
". Cassion. Whether for good or evil,
give you my faith"
"You-you," bis hands grasped mine.
You mean you will go with me into
sxile, into the woods?"
Eyes, monsieur"
"But do you realize what It all
means? am a fugitive, q hunted
nan: never again can l venture with
n French civilization. must live
Imong savages. No, no. Adele, the
acrifce is too great cannot accept
4 it."
" do you love me, mOnsieurT'
"Mon Dieu-yes."
Then there is no sacrifice. My
cart would break here. God! Would
on doom me to live out my life with
hat brute-that murderer? | am a
Oung woman. mere girl. and this
. my one chance to save myself from
ell. am not afraid of the woods, of ..
xile, Of anything, so am with you.
VouId rather die than go to hIm-to
Onfess him husband" b
''The lady is right. Rene" Boisrondet d
aid earnestly. "You must think Of c
er as well as yourself"
think Of her! Mon Dieu, Of whom a
L