“It is late, and we must not linger here,” he insisted, touching De Artigny’s sleeve. “The guard may discover your absence, Rene, before we get beyond the stockade. Come, we must move quickly.”
“Ay, and with more than ever to give us courage, Francois. Yet how can we get Madame safely over the logs?”
“She must venture the same as we. Follow me closely, and tread with care.”
So dark was the night I was obliged to trust entirely to De Artigny’s guidance, but it was evident that both men were familiar with the way, and had thoroughly considered the best method of escape. No doubt De Tonty and his young lieutenant had arranged all details, so as to assure success. We traversed the flat roofs of the chain of log houses along the west side of the stockade until we came to the end. The only light visible was a dull glow of embers before the guardhouse near the center of the parade, which revealed a 351 group of soldiers on duty. The stockade extended some distance beyond where we halted, crouched low on the flat roof to escape being seen. There would be armed men along that wall, especially near the gates, guarding against attack, but the darkness gave us no glimpse. There was no firing, no movement to be perceived. The two men crept to the edge, and looked cautiously over, and I clung close to De Artigny, nervous from the silence, and afraid to become separated. Below us was the dense blackness of the gorge.
“This is the spot,” whispered De Artigny, “and no alarm yet. How far to the rocks?”
“De Tonty figured the distance at forty feet below the stockade; we have fifty feet of rope here. The rock shelf is narrow, and the great risk will be not to step off in the darkness. There should be an iron ring here somewhere––ay, here it is; help me draw the knot taut, Rene.”
“Do we––do we go down here, Monsieur?” I questioned, my voice faltering.
“Here, or not at all; there are guards posted yonder every two yards. This is our only chance to escape unseen.” Boisrondet tested the rope, letting it slip slowly through his hands down into the darkness below, until it hung at full length. “It does not touch,” he said, “yet it cannot lack more than a foot or two. Faith! We must take the risk. I go first Rene––hush! ’tis 352 best so––the lady would prefer that you remain, while I test the passage. The devil himself may be waiting there.” He gazed down, balancing himself on the edge, the cord gripped in his hands.
“Now mind my word; once on the rock below I will signal with three jerks on the cord. Haul up then slowly, so as to make no noise; make a noose for the lady’s foot, and lower her with care. You have the strength?”
“Ay, for twice her weight.”