t. 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 jagged 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 De Artigny 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, 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 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. I have made my choice,
Monsieur. 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 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 heart 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 her! _Mon Dieu_, 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 XXXI

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 lin