The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1916-11-24
CHAPTER xxl-Continued.
10


pished, and left here to my fate.
Boisrondet knew nothing of my deci-
sion 10 accompany D'Artigny in his
exile. II the way was difficult and
dangerous, he might not consider it
essential to communicate with me at
all. De Tonty had promised, 10 be
sure. yet he might have failed 10 so
instruct the younger man. l clung TO
the window, the agony of this posi-
bility driving me wild
Mon Dieul was that noise over
head? I could see nothing. yet, as |
leaned farther out. a cord touched my
face. I grasped it, and drew the dan
Cling end in. 1t was weighted with
bit Of wood. 4 single coal glowed in
the fireplace and from this l 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 l 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 n few feet to the roof above, yet
80 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
tIat 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.
Monsieur" | called up softly, un-
able TO restrain my eagerness.
"Yes. madame" it was D'Artigny's
voice, although mere whisper. You
have some word for me?"
"Ay, listen; is there any way by
which | can join you?"
Join me-here?' astonlshment 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.
I'VE have a strong grass rope, ma
dame. which will safely bear your
weight The risk will not be great.
| have made a nose, and will lower
It,"
reached 1t with my hand, but felt
a doubt rs 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. clinging desperately to the
taut rope. until felt my foot safely
pressed into the moose. which frightened
firmly about it.
"Now." / said. barely able to make
my lips speak. Il am ready"
"Then swing clear, madame: Wen
hold you safe"
I doubt IL IL was n full minute I'm
which | swung out over that gulf amid
the black night. My heart seemed 10
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
hu ivp hau
drew me up. the continuous jerks
yielding a sickening sensation. but the
distance was so short l could scarcely
realize the full danger. before DAT
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 us
here"
Am | welcome, monsieur"
"Can you doubt? Yet surely IL was
not merely to say farewell that you
assumed such riskT''
NO, monsieur, IL was not 10 say |
farewell l would accompany you in
your flight DO not start like that |
at my words: cannot see your face
perhaps II / could l should lose cour
age. | have made my choice. mon
sieur. will not remain the slave OF
VI. 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 woodsT'
Yes. monsieur"
"But do you realize what IL all
means7 I am a fugitive. a hunted
man: never again can / venture with /.
in French civilization. must live /
among savages. No, no. Adele. the /
sacrifice Is too great cannot accept |
OF II"
"Do you love me. monsieurT
"Mon Dieu-yes"
Then there Is no sacrifice. My
heart would break here. God! Would
n