“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.”