his one yonder, scenes of horror. I have
seen all this before, Barbeau, and this is no mere raid of a few
scattered warriors, seeking adventure and scalps; 'tis an organized
war party. The Iroquois have learned of the trouble in New France, of
La Salle's absence from this valley; they know of the few fighting men
at the Rock, and that De Tonty is no longer in command. They are here
to sweep the French out of this Illinois country, and have given no
warning. They surprised the Indian villages first, killed every
Algonquin they could find, and are now besieging the Rock. And what
have they to oppose them? More than they thought, no doubt, for
Cassion and De la Durantaye must have reached there safely, yet at the
best, the white defenders will scarcely number fifty men, and
quarreling among themselves like mad dogs. There is but one thing for
us to do, Barbeau--reach the fort."

"Ay, but how? There will be death now, haunting us every foot of the
way."

De Artigny turned his head, and his eyes met mine questioningly.

"There is a passage I know," he said gravely, "below the south banks
yonder, but there will be peril in it--a peril to which I dread to
expose the lady."

I stood erect, no longer paralyzed by fear, realizing my duty.

"Do not hesitate because of me, Monsieur," I said calmly. "French
women have always done their part, and I shall not fail. Explain to us
your plan."

CHAPTER XXIII

THE WORDS OF LOVE

His eyes brightened, and his hand sought mine.

"The spirit of the old days; the words of a soldier's daughter, hey,
Barbeau?"

"A La Chesnayne could make no other choice," he answered loyally. "But
we have no time to waste here in compliment. You know a safe passage,
you say?"

"Not a safe one, yet a trail which may still remain open, for it is
known to but few. Let us aboard, and cross to the opposite shore,
where we will hide the canoe, and make our way through the forest.
Once safely afoot yonder I will make my purpose clear."

A dozen strokes landed us on the other bank, where the canoe was drawn
up, and concealed among the bushes, while we descended a slight
declivity, and found ourselves in the silence of a great wood. Here De
Artigny paused to make certain his sense of direction.

"I will go forward slightly in advance," he said, at last, evidently
having determined upon his course.

"And we will move slowly, and as noiselessly as possible. No one ever
knows where the enemy are