Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1917-01-12
CHAPTER XXl-Continued.

All ] could 40 was pray, ana Walt'
Perhaps no word would be given me
the escape might already be accom-
pllshed. and | left here TO my fate.
Boisrondet knew nothing Of my deci-
sion To accompany D'Artigny In his
exile. II the way was diflcult and
dangerous, he might not consider 1t
essential TO communicate with mo at
all, De Tonty had promised, to be
sure. yet he might have failed to so
instruct the younger man. ! chung to
the window, the agony OF this posi-
bllity driving me Wild.
Mon Dieu' was that n noise over
head2 ! could see nothing, yet, as
leaned farther out, a cord touched my
face. ! grasped II, and drew the dan
Cling end in. 1t was weighted with a
bit of wood. A single coal glOwed In
the fireplace, and from thi' | ignItcd
a splinter, barely yielding me light
enough to decipher the few words
traced on the white surface: "Safe so
far; have you any w0rd?"
My veins throbbcd; | could have
screamed in delight, or sobbed in sud
den JOY and relief. ! fairly crept to
the open window on hands ana 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
80 black was the night that the edge
above me blended impcrccptibly
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
;liat dense gloom the two men peered
owe the roof edge, waiting my re-
spouse.
Monsieur" l called up softly, IN
able to restrain my cagerness.
Yes, madame" 1t was D'Artigny's
voice, although a mere whisper. you
have some word for me-"
"Ay, listen; il there any way by
which | can join your
Join me-hcre?" establishment Mt
my request made him lncohcrcnt.
"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 n wayT
! heard them speak to each other,
a mcrs murmur of sound; then another
voice feaclcd my ears clearly.
1--WE have n strong grass rope, ma
dame, which will safely bear your
weight. The risk will not be great.
! have made a moose. and will lower
IT,"
| reached It with my hand, but felt
a doubt as my fingers claspcd 1t.
"'Tis very small, monsieur"
"Hut strong enough for double your
weight, rs twas Indian woven. Put
i''l III wv hV'NN' anu 'Itlu llSlll. |
There are two of us holding 1t above"
The memory OF the depth below
frightened me. yet | crept forth on the
narrow sill, cllnglng desperately to the
taut rope, until | felt my foot safely
pressed into the moose, which frightened
firmly about 1t.
"Now," said, barely able to make
my lips speak, 81 am ready"
"'rhcn swing clear. madame; well
hold you safe"
doubt II 1t was a full minute In
which ! swung out 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 lag
ged rocks below. Inch by inch they
drew me up, the continuous Jerks
yielding q sickening sensation. but the
distance was so short | could scarcely
realize the full! danger, before DAT
tlgny graSped me with his hands. and
drew me IN beside him on the roof
l stood upon my feet. trembling from
excitement, yet encouraged IN my pur-
pose by his first words OF welcome.
adele he exclaimed, forgetfu! of
the presence Of his comradc. surely
you had serious cause for joining us
Am | welcome, monsieur"
Can you doubt? Yet surely it was
not merely to say farewell that you
assumed such risk"
mo, monsieur. it was not to say
farewell, | would accompany you in
your flight. Do not start like that
at my words; | cannot see your face
perhaps il l could | should lose cour-
age. have made my choice, mon.
| will not remain the slave Of
Cassion. Whether for good or evil.
give you my faith"
"You-you." his hands grasped mine. l
You mean you will 20 with me into ,
exile, into the woodsf"
Yes, monsieur" :
But do you realize what It all
am a fugitive, n hunted :
never again can l venture with -,
n French civilization. must live .
lmong savages. No, no, Adele. She =
sacrifice is too great. l cannot accept +,
If it." /