“’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 firmly about it.
“Now,” I said, barely able to make my lips speak. “I am ready.”
“Then swing clear, Madame; we’ll hold 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 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?”