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

WIN care. you nave the StrenRtnF
LAY, for twice her weight"
Good; there will be naught to fear,
madame, for l will be below to aid
your footing. When | give the signal
again Rene will descend and join u.s."
"The rope is to be left dangling?"
"Only until I return. Once I leave
you safe beyond the Iroquois, tbs my
part to climb this rope again. Some
task that" cheerfully, yet De Tonty
deems 1t best that no evidence connect
us with this escape. What make you
the hour?"
Between n and two"
(which will give me time before
day dawn; so here, I chance It,"
He swung himself owe the edge, and
slipped silently down into the black
mystery. We leaned over to watch.
but could see nothing, our only evil
dcnce Of his progress the jerking Of the
cord. D'Artigny's hand closed on mine.
Dear" he whispered tenderly. "we
di' AUNT hOh JOu art oOllJ
II I'm happier than I have ever been
in my life," l answered honestly. 81
have done what | believe to be right,
and trust God. All l care to know now
Is that you love me-"
with every throb OF my heart"
he said solemnly. ut is my love which
makes me dread lest you regret"
"That will never be, monsieur; I
am Of the frontier, and do not fear the
woods. All! he has reached the rock
safely-'tls the signal"
D'Artigny drew up the cord, testing
It to make sure the strands held firm.
and made careful moose, into which he
slipped my foot.
"Now, Adele, you are ready"
eyes, sweetheart; kiss me first"
"YOu have no fear?"
"Not with your strong hands to sup
port, but do not keep me waiting long
below"
Ay, but l was frightened as I swung
Off into the black void, cllnging des-
perately to that slight rope, steadily
sinking downward. My body rubbed
against the rough logs, and then
against rock. Once a jagged edge
wounded me, yet l dare not release my
grip, or utter a sound. | sank down,
down, the strain ever greater on my
nerves I retained no knowledge Of
distance, but grew apprehensive Of
what awaited me below. Would the
/ rope reach to the rock? Would / swing
clear? Even as these thoughts began
to horrify, l felt a hand grip me, and
Boisrondet's whisper gave cheerful
greeting.
at is all right, madame; release your
foot, and trust me. Good, now do not
venture to move, until Rene joins us.
Faith, he wastes little time; he is com.
ing now"
I could see nothing, not even the
outlines of my companion, who stood
holding the cord taut. l could feel the
Jagged face of the rock, against which
| stood, and v%enturcd, by reaching out
with one foot, to explore my immedi-
ate surroundings. The cropping toe
touched the edge of the narrow shelf,
and l drew back startled at thought Of
another sheer drop into the black
depths.
My heart was still pounding when
D'Artigny found foothold beside me.
AS he swung free from the cord, his
fingers touched my dress.
"A fine test Of courage that, Adele"
he whispered, "but with Francois here
below there was small peril. Now
what next?'
"A ticklish passage for n few yards.
Stand close until | get by; now cling
to the wall, and follow me. Once off
this shelf we can plan our journey.
Madame. take hold Of my jacket. Rene,
you have walked this path BEFORE"
"Ay, years since, but l recall its
peril"
We crept forward, so cautiously 1t
seemed we scarcely moved, the rock
shelf we %traversed so narrow in places
that | could scarce find space In which
to plant my feet firmly. Suddenly we
clambercd on to a Hat rock, crossed 1t,
and came to the edge Of a wood, with
a murmur Of water not far away. Here
Boisrondet paused, and we came close
about him. There seemed to be more
light here, although the tree shadows
were grim, and the night rested about
us in impressive silence.
"Here is where the river trail comes
down." and BolSrondet made motion
to the left. "You should remember
that well, Rene"
II was first to pass over It; it leads
to the water edge"
Yes; not so easily followed In the
night. yet you are woodsman enough
to make it. SO far as we know from
above the lroQuois, have not discov-
cred there Is a passage here. Listen.
i leave you now, for those were
Tonty's orders. He said that from
now on you would be safe alone. OF
course he knew nothing OF madame's
purpose"
Monsieur shall not find me a bur-
l interrupted.
Il I'M sure Of that" he said gallant,
", and so think 1t best to return while
night conceals my movements.