coming 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 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 De
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. Boisrondet whispered words of
guidance back to me, and I could feel De Artigny touch my skirt as he
followed, ready to grip me if I fell. Yet then I experienced no fear,
no shrinking, my every thought centered on the task. Nor was the way
long. Suddenly we clambered onto a flat 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 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 he knew nothing of Madame's purpose."

"Monsieur shall not find me a burden," I interrupted.

"I am sure of that," he said gallantly, "and so think it best to
return while the night conceals my movements. There will be hot words
when M. Cassion discovers your escape, and my chief may need my sword
beside him, if it comes to blows. Is my de