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Show DEYODferoONTK jA. STOny OP EARLY DAS1- RANDALL "Ay, right; would that I might be with you. But what plan did M. de Tonty outline for me to follow?" 'Twas what I started to tell. At tie edge of the water, but concealed from the river by rocks, is a small hut where vee keep hidden a canoe ready fitted for any secret service. 'Twas Sieur de la Salle's thought that it might prove of great use in time of siege. No doubt it is there now, just as we left it, undiscovered of the Iroquois. Iro-quois. This will bear you down the river until daylight, when you can hide along shore." "There Is a rifle?" "Two of them, with powder and ball." He laid his hand on the other's shoulder. "There is nothing more to say, and time is of value. Farewell, my friend." "Farewell," their fingers clasped. "There will be other days, Francois; my gratitude to M. de Tonty." Bois-rondet Bois-rondet stepped back, and, hat In hand, bowed to me. "Adieu, madame; a pleasant Journey." Jour-ney." "A moment, monsieur," I said, a falter fal-ter in my voice. "You are M. d'Ar-tlgny's d'Ar-tlgny's friend, an officer of France, and a Catholic." "Yes, madame." "And you think that I am right In my choice that I am doing naught unworthy un-worthy of my womanhood?" Even in the darkness I saw him make the symbol of the cross, before he bent forward and kissed my hand. "Madame," he said gravely, "I am but a plain soldier, with all my service on the frontier. I leave to the priests the discussion of doctrines, and to God my punishment and reward. I car only answer you as D'Artigny's friend, and an officer of France. I give you honor and respect, and deem your love and trust far more holy than your marriage. mar-riage. My faith, and my sword are yours, madame." I felt his lips upon my hand, yet knew not he had gone. I stood there, my eyes blinded with tears at his gallant gal-lant words, only becoming conscious oi his disappearance when D'Artignj drew me to him, his cheek pressed against my hair. "He has gone! We are alone!" "Yes, dear one; but I thank God foi those last words. They have given me courage and faith. So my old comrades com-rades believe us right the criticism ol others does not move me. You love me. Adele? You do not regret?" My arms found way about his neck my lips uplifted to his. "Monsieur, I shall never regret; 1 trust God and you." How he ever found his way along that dim trail I shall never know. Some memory of Its windings, togethei with the Instinct of a woodsman, musl have given guidance, while no doubl bis feet, clad In soft Indian moccasins, mocca-sins, enabled him to feel the fain! track, imperceivable in the darkness. It led along a steep bank, through low, tangled bushes, and about great trees, with here and there a rock thrust across the path, compelling detour, The branches scratched my face and tore my dress, confusing me so that had I not clung to his arm, I should have been Instantly lost in the gloom. Our advance was slow and cautious, every step taken in silence. Snakes could not have moved with less noise, and the precaution was well taken. Suddenly D'Artigny stopped, gripping me in warning. For a moment there was no sound except the distant murmur mur-mur of waters, and the chatter of some night bird. Yet some instinct of the woods held the man motionless, listening. listen-ing. A twig cracked to our left, and then a voice spoke, low and rumbling. It sounded so close at hand the fellow could scarcely have been five yards away. Another voice answered, and we were aware of bodies, stealing along through the wood; there was a faint rustling of dead leaves, and the occasional swish of a branch. We crouched low in the trail, fairly holding hold-ing our breath, every nerve tense, Thre was no sound from below, but in the other direction one warrior I could see the dim outline of his naked na-ked figure passed within easy reach of my outstretched hand. Assured that all had passed beyond hearing D'Artigny rose to his feet, and assisted me to rise, his hand still grasping grasp-ing mine. "Iroquois, by 'the look of that warrior," war-rior," he whispered, "and enough ol them to mean mischief." " 'Twas the tongue of the Tuscaro-ras," Tuscaro-ras," I answered. "My father taughl me a little of it years ago. The firs! words spoken were a warning to be still; the other answered that the white men are all asleep." "And I am not sure but that Is true If De Tonty was in command the walls would be well guarded, but De Baugis and Cassion know nothing of Indian war." "You believe it to be an assault?" "It hath the look; 'tis not Indian nature na-ture to gather thus at this night hour, without a purpose.. But, pouf, there is little thpy can do against that stockade of logs for all their numbers. It is our duty t; ',e well away by daylight." The retraining distance to the water's wa-ter's edge was not far a direct descent de-scent amid a litter of rocks, shadowed by great trees. Nothing opposed oui passage, nor did we bear any sound from tile savages concealed in the forest for-est above. D'Artigny led the way along the shore until we reached the log but. Its door stood open, the canoe was gone. CHAPTER XXIII. We Meet Surprise. Not until we had felt carefully from wall to wall did we admit our disappointment. disap-pointment. There were no overshadowing overshad-owing trees here, and what small glimmer glim-mer ot light came from the dull skies i found reflection on river and rocks, so 1 that we could perceive each other, and gain dim view of our surroundings. Of the canoe there was absolutely no trace, and, if arms had been hidden there also, they bad likewise disappeared. disap-peared. The very fact that the door 1 stood wide open, its wooden lock : broken, told the story clearly. I remained re-mained silent, staring about through : the semi-darkness of the interior, rendered ren-dered speechless by a feeling of utter 1 helplessness. D'Artigny, after an ut-1 ut-1 terauce of disappointment, felt his way along the walls; as he came back to the open door' our eyes met, and he ' must have read despair in mine, for 1 he smiled encouragingly. ' "Swept bare, little girl," he said. "Not so much as an ounce of powder left. The savages got here before us, It seems. Never mind; we shall have ' to travel a ways on woodcraft, and it will not be the first wilderness Journey Jour-ney I have made without arms. Did De Tonty mention to you where he believed the Illini were in hiding?" "No, monsieur are they Indians?" "Yes; the river tribes, the most loyal of all to La Salle. It was one of their villages we saw on the bank of the .stream as we approached the fort from the west. I told Boisrondet i"fiv, r.'?;V: rm i : Wdjjk - ; "We Are Alone Now Are You Sorry?" . that it stood there deserted, but not destroyed, and it was our judgment : the inhabitants were hiding among : the river bluffs. Without canoes they could not travel far, and are probably ; concealed out yonder. If we can find , them our greatest peril is past" "They are friendly?" "Ay, and have never shed white ; blood. I know them well, and with leadership they would be a match even 1 for the Iroquois. De Tonty led them : once against these same warriors, and I they fought like fiends. Come, we will . follow the stream, and see if we cannot , find trace of their covert" 1 It was but a cluster of rocks where the hut stood, and a few yards below we found the forest creeping down to ' the very bank of the river. The sky had lightened above us, the obscuring clouds opening to let the silver gleam of stars through, and we paused a mo-' mo-' ment gazing back and upward at ihe vast rock on which perched the be-I be-I Ieaguered fort We could dimly per- ceive the vague outline of it silhouet-' silhouet-' ted against the lighter arch of sky. In 1 massive gloom and silence it seemed ' to dominate the night, the grim forest ' sweeping up to its very walls. Not a gleam of light appeared; not a sound ! reached us. I felt D'Artigny's arm ! about me. "I would that I really knew what was going on yonder 'neath the screen of trees," he said gravely. "Some In-' In-' dian trick, perchance, which it might be in my power to circumvent at least 1 bear to the lads fair warning." j "Yon would risk life for that?" I "Ay, my own readily. That is a lesson les-son of the wilderness; the duty of a comrade. But for your presence I should be climbing the hill, seeking to ) learn the purpose of those savages ' else I were no true soldier of France. ' "What think you their purpose Is, ' monsieur?" ". "An attack in force at dawn. Those who passed us were heavily armed, and crept forward stealthily, stripped and painted for war. There were other parties, no doubt, creeping up through ' the woods from all sides. 'TIs my t thought the hour has struck for them to make their great effort. They have scattered the friendly Indians, killed , them, or driven them in terror down the river. Their villages have been destroyed. Now all the warriors who have been at that business have re-' re-' turned, filled with blood lust, and eager ' to strike at the French." "But they cannot win? Surely they cannot capture the fort, monsieur? ' Why, it is all rock?"- "On three sides yes; but to the south there is ample space for attack in force. Those woods yonder would conceal a thousand savages within a few hundred yards of the fort gates, and what of the defense? Opposing ' them is one hundred and fifty feet of 1 stockade, protected at best by fifty rifles There are no more in the fort, officers, Indians, and all; and Boisrondet Boisron-det says scarcely a dozen rounds of powder and ball to a man. If che Iroquois know this and why should they not? twill be no great feat of arms to batter their way In. 1 would do that which is right Adele, If I saw I clearly." I ITO BE CONTINUED.) CHAPTER XXI Continued. 16 AH I could do was pray, and wait. Perhaps no word would be given me the escape might already be accom-ipllshed, accom-ipllshed, and I left here to my fate. Boisrondet knew 'nothing of my decision deci-sion to accompany D'Artigny in his exile. If the way was difficult and dangerous, lie might not consider It essential to communicate with me at All. De Tonty had ;prom!sed, to be sure, yet he might have failed to so Instruct the younger man. I clung to the window, the agony of this possi- .billly driving me wild. Mon Dleu! was that a noise overhead? over-head? I could see nothing, yet, as I leaned farther out, a cord touched my face. I grasped it, and drew the dangling dan-gling end In. It was weighted with a bit of wood. A single coal glowed in Hie fireplace, and from this I 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; I could have ttcreaincd In delight, or sobbed in sudden sud-den joy and relief. I 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. I hung far out, nny 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 :8bove me blended imperceptibly : against the sky. I could perceive no movement, no outline. Could they t have already gone? Was it possible i 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 response. re-sponse. "Monsieur," I called up softly, unable un-able to restrain my eagerness. "Yes, madame," it was D'Artigny's voice, although a mere whisper. "You .'have some word for me?" "Ay, listen; is there any way by -which I can Join you?" "Join me here?" astonishment at imy request made him incoherent. -"Why, madame, the risk is great " "Never mind that; my reason is wor-thy, wor-thy, nor have we time now to discuss the matter. Monsieur Boisrondet is ithere a way?" I heard them speak to each other, -.a mere murmur of sound; t&n another voice reached my ears clearly. "We have a strong grass rope, ma- dame, which will safely bear your weight. The risk will not be great I have made a noose, and will lower ,it" I reached It with my hand, but felt a doubt as my fingers clasped It " 'Tis very small, monsieur." "But strong enough for double your weight, as 'twas Indian woven. Put foot in the noose, and hold tight. There are two of us holding it above." The memory of the depth below 'frightened me. yet I crept forth on the narrow sill, clinging desperately to the -taut rope, until I felt my foot safely pressed Into the noose, which tightened firmiy about it "Now," I said, barely able to make .my lips speak. "I am ready." "Then swing clear, madame; we'll ihold you safe." I doubt If it was a full minute in which I swung out over that gulf amid the black night. My heart seemed to stop beating, and I retained no sense other than to cling desperately to the swaying cord which alone held me from being dashed to death on the jag-ped jag-ped rocks below. Inch by inch they drew me up, the continuous jerks yielding a sickening sensation, but the distance was so short I could scarcely realize the full danger, before D'Artigny D'Ar-tigny grasped me with his hands, and drew me in beside him on the roof I stood upon my feet, trembling from excitement, yet encouraged In my purpose pur-pose by his first words of welcome. "Adele," he exclaimed, forgetful of the presence of bis comrade. "Surely you had serious cause for joining us here." "Am I welcome, monsieur?" "Can you doubt? Yet surely it was not merely to say farewell that you assumed such risk?" "No, monsieur, it was not to say farewell. I would accompany you in your flight. Do not start like that at my words; I cannot see your face perhaps if I could I should lose courage. cour-age. I have made my choice, monsieur. mon-sieur. I will not remain the slave of M. Cassion. Whether for good or evil, I give you my faith." "You you," his hands grasped mine. ""You mean you will go with me into -exile. Into the woods?" "Yes, monsieur." "But do you realize what it all means? I am a fugitive, a hunted man; never again can I venture within with-in French civilization. I must live among savages. No, no, Adele, the sacrifice is too great I cannot accept of it." "Do you love me, monsieur?" "Mon Dieu yes." "Then there Is no sacrifice. My hefrt would break here. God! Would you doom me to live out my life with that brute that murderer? I am a young woman, a mere girl, and this is my one chance to save myself from hell. I am not afraid of the woods, of exile, of anything, so I am with you. I would rather die than go to him to confess him husband." "The lady Is right, Rene," Boisrondet said earnestly. "You must think of her as well as yourself." "Think of ber! Mon Dleu, of whom else do I think? Adele, do you mean your words? Would you give up all for me?" "Yes, monsieur." "But do you know what your choice means?" I stood before him, brave In the darkness. "Monsieur, I have faced it all. I know; the choice is made will you take me?" Then I was in his strong arms, and for the first time, his lips met mine. CHAPTER XXII. We Reach the River. It was the voice of Boisrondet which recalled us to a sense of danger. "It is late, and we must not linger here," he insisted, touching D'Artigny's sleeve. "The guard may discover your absence, Rene, before we get beyond the stockade. Yet how can we get madame safely over the logs?" "She must venture the same as we. Follow me closely, and tread with care." So dark was the night I was obliged to trust entirely to D'Artigny's guidance, guid-ance, but it was evident that both men were familiar with the way, and bad thoroughly considered the best method of escape. No doubt De Tonty and his young lieutenant had arranged all details, so as. to assure success. We traversed the flat roofs of the chain of log houses along the west side of the stockade until we came to the end. The only light visible was a dull glow of embers before the guardhouse near the center of the parade, which revealed re-vealed a group of soldiers on duty. The stockade extended some distance beyond where we halted, crouched low on the flat roof to escape being seen. There would be armed men along that wall, especially near the gates, guarding guard-ing against attack, but the darkness gave us no 'glimpse. There was no firing, no movement to be perceived. The two men crept to the edge, and looked cautiously over, and I clung close to D'Artigny, nervous from the silence, and afraid to become separated. separat-ed. Below us was the dense blackness of the gorge. "This Is the spot" whispered D'Artigny, D'Ar-tigny, "and no alarm yet How far to the rocks?" "De Tonty figured the distance at forty feet below the stockade; we have fifty feet of rope here. The rock shelf is narrow, and the great risk will be not to S'0 6 arDS9' 't'ere iffii '! ' .-J j...MT..nr ..,;.,. -'-Tllilllilli'll'11'1 "Now," I Said, Barely Able to Make My Lips Speak. should be an iron ring here somewhere ay, here it is; help me draw the knot taut, Rene." "Do we do we go down here, monsieur?" mon-sieur?" I questioned, my voice faltering. falter-ing. "Here, or not at all; there are guards posted yonder every two yards. This is our only chance to escape unseen." Boisrondet tested the rope, letting it slip slowly through his hands down into the darkness below, until it bung at full length. "It does not touch," he said, "yet It cannot lack more than a foot or two. Faith! We must take the risk. I go first Rene hush! 'tis best so the lady would prefer that you remain, while I test the passage. The devil himself may be waiting there." He gazed down, balancing himself on the edge, the cord gripped in his hands. "Now mind my word; once on the rock below, I will signal with three Jerks on the cord. Haul up then slow ly, so as to make no noise; make a noose for the lady's foot, and lower her with care. You have the strength?" "Ay, for twice her weight." "Good; there will be naught to fear, madame, for I will be below to aid your footing. When I give the signal again Rene will descend and join us." "The rope is to be left dangling?" "Only until I return. Once I leave you safe beyond the Iroquois, 'tis my part to climb this rope again. Some task that," cheerfully, "yet De Tonty deems it best that no evidence connect us with this escape. What make you the hour?" "Between one and two." "Which will give me time before day dawn; so here, I chance it." He swung himself over the edge, and slipped silently down into the black mystery. We leaned over to watch, but could see nothing, our only evidence evi-dence of his progress the jerking of the cord. D'Artigny's hand closed on mine. "Dear," he whispered tenderly, "we are alone now you are sorry?" "I am happier than I have ever been in my life," I answered honestly. "I have done what I believe to be right, and trust God. All I care to know now is that you love me." "With every throb of my heart," he said solemnly. "It 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. Ah! he has reached the rock safely 'tis the signal." D'Artigny drew up the cord, testing It to make sure the strands held firm, and made careful noose, into which he slipped my foot "Now, Adele, you are ready?" "Yes, sweetheart; kiss me first" "You have no fear?" "Not with your strong hands to support, sup-port, but do not keep me waiting long below." Ay, but I was frightened as I swung off into the black void, clinging desperately 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 I dare not release my grip, or utter a sound. I 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 I swing clear? Even as these thoughts began to horrify, I felt a hand grip me, and Bolsrondet's whisper gave cheerful greeting. "It is all right, madame; release your foot, and trust me. Good, now do not venture to move, until Rene Joins ns. Faith, he wastes little time; he is coming com-ing now." I could see nothing, not even the outlines of my companion, who stood holding the cord taut I could feel the jagged face of the rock, against which I stood, and ventured, by reaching out with one foot, to explore my immediate immedi-ate surroundings. The groping toe touched the edge of the narrow shelf, and I 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 a few yards. Stand close until I 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 I recall its peril." We crept forward, so cautiously It seemed we scarcely moved, the rock shelf we traversed so narrow in places that I could scarce find space in which to plant my feet firmly. Suddenly we clambered on to a fiat rock, crossed it, 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 Boisrondet made motion to the left. "You should remember that well, Rene." "I 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 Iroquois, have not discovered discov-ered there is a passage here. Listen. Rene: I leave you now, for those were De Tonty 's orders. He said that from now on you would be safe alone. Of course be knew nothing ot madame's purpose." "Monsieur shall not find me a burden," bur-den," I interrupted. "I am sure of that" he said gallantly, gallant-ly, "and so think it best to return while the night conceals my movements. There will be hot words when M. Cassion Cas-sion discovers your escape, and my chief may need my sword beside him, if it comes to blows. Is my decision to return right Rene?" |