The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1917-02-23
CHAPTER xxi-continued.

.-16-
All | could do was pray, and wait.
Perhaps no word would be given me
the c might already be accom-
plished, and l left here to my fate.
Boisrondct knew nothing OF my deci-
sion to accompany D'Artigny In his
exile. II the way was difficult and
dangerous, be might not consider 1t
essential to communicate with me at
al. De Tonty had promised, to be
sure, yet be might have failed to SO
instruct the younger man. l chung to
the window, the agony Of this posi-
bility driving me wild.
Mon Dieu! was that a noise over
head? l could see nothing. yet, as
leaned farther out, a cord touched my
face. I grasped 1t, and drew the dan
Cling end in. It was weighted with a
bit Of wood. a single coal glowed In
the fireplace, and from this l ignited
q splinter. barely yielding me light
enough to decipher the few words
traced on the white surface: "Safe SO
far; have you any word?"
Ny veins throbbed; I 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 uptrrned, staring into the
darkness. The distance was not great.
only a few feet to the roof above, yet
50 black was the night that the edge
above me blended imperceptibly
against the sky. l 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 my re-
Spouse.
Monsieur" I called up softly. I'M
able to restrain my eagerness.
"Yes. madame" i was 'D'Arhgny's
voice, although a me whisper. you
have some word for mel"
"Ay. listen; ID there any way by
which | can Join your"
"Join me-here?" establishment at
my request made him incoherent.
@Why. madame. the risk II great"
Never mind that; my reason 10 wor-
ny, nor have we time now to discuss
the matter. Monsieur B~oisrondet, Is
there Z way1'
heard them speak 10 each other,
Z mere murmur Of sound; then another
voice reached my ears clearly.
I'VE have q strong grass rope. ma
Dame. which will safely bear your
weight. The risk will not be great.
I have made . moose. and will lower
T."
I reached II with my hand, but felt
. doubt - my fingers clasped 1t.
"'Tis very small. monsieur"
"But strong enough Tor double your
weight, a. twas Indian woven. Put
not IN the moose. and hold tight.
There are two Of % 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 l felt my foot safely
pressed into tho moose, which frightened
1rmly about It
"Now." / said, barely able to make
ny lips speak. II am ready"
'.Then swing clear. madame; wen
sold you safe"
doubt Il Il was Z full minute In
which | swung out owe that gulf amid
the black night. Ny heart seemed to
stop beating. and I retained no n
ether than to cling desperately to the
0waying cord which alone held me
from being dashed to death on the Jag
ged rocks below. Inch by inch they
drew me mp, the continuous Jerks
yielding Z sickening sensation. but the
distance was 20 short I could scarcely
Ysalise the full danger, before DAT
dsny grasped me with his hands, and
drew me In beside him on tho roof,
stood upon ny feet, trembling from
Excitement, yet encouraged In my pur-
pess b. his nrst words Of welcome.
sAdels." he exclaimed, forgetful Of
~ presence Of his comrade. "surcly
yeu had serious u for Joining "a
hoee."
Am welcome, monsieur1"
sCan you doubt7 Yet surely It was
Mt merely 20 say farewell that you
engumod such F1skfs
~. mens1eur. It was not to ~
AnsoS4en. would accompany you in
youf llehk Do not start IKE that