t big tree, the fellow in war bonnet, and deerskin
shirt--what make you of him?"

"A white man in spite of his paint."

"'Twas my guess also. I thought it likely they had a renegade with
them, for this is not Indian strategy. La Forest was of the same
opinion, although 'twas too dark when he was here for us to make
sure."

"For what are they waiting, and watching?"

"The gates to open, no doubt. If they suspect nothing within, they
will send out a party soon to reconnoiter the trail, and reach the
river below for water. It is the custom, and, no doubt, these devils
know, and will wait their chance. They urge the laggards now."

We lay and watched them, his hand clasping mine. Those warriors who
had been lying prone, rose to their knees, and weapons in hand,
crouched for a spring; the chiefs scattered, careful to keep concealed
behind cover. Not a sound reached us, every movement noiseless, the
orders conveyed by gesture of the hand. De Artigny pressed my
fingers.

"Action will come soon," he said, his lips at my ear, "and I must be
ready below to take the lead. You can serve us best here, Adele; there
is no safer spot if you lie low. You have a bit of cloth--a
handkerchief?"

"Yes, Monsieur."

"Then watch the fort gates, and if you see them open drop the cloth
over the edge of the rock there in signal. I will wait just below, but
from where we are we can see nothing. You understand?"

"Surely, Monsieur; I am to remain here and watch; then signal you when
the fort gates open."

"Ay, that is it; or if those savages advance into the open--they may
not wait."

"Yes, Monsieur."

His lips touched mine, and I heard him whisper a word of endearment.

"You are a brave girl."

"No, Monsieur; I am frightened, terribly frightened, but--but I love
you, and am a Frenchwoman."

He crept back silently, and I was left alone on the great rock, gazing
out anxiously into the gray morning.

CHAPTER XXXV

THE CHARGE OF THE ILLINI

It seemed a long time, yet it could scarcely have exceeded a few
moments, for the light of early dawn was still dim and spectral,
making those savage figures below appear strange and inhuman, while,
through the tree barrier, the more distant stockade was little more
than a vague shadow. I could barely distinguish the sharp pointed
logs, and if any guard passed, his movements were indistinguishable.

Had I not known where they were even the position of the gates
would have been a