"No, Monsieur, it was not to say farewell. I would accompany you in your flight. Do not start like that at my words; I cannot see your face--perhaps if I could I should lose courage. I have made my choice, Monsieur. I will not remain the slave of M. Cassion. Whether for good or evil I give you my faith." "You--you," his hands grasped mine. "You mean you will go with me into exile, into the woods?" "Yes, Monsieur." "But do you realize what it all means? I am a fugitive, a hunted man; never again can I venture within French civilization. I must live among savages. No, no, Adele, the sacrifice is too great. I cannot accept of it." "Do you love me, Monsieur?" "_Mon Dieu_--yes." "Then there is no sacrifice. My heart would break here. God! Would you doom me to live out my life with that brute--that murderer? I am a young woman, a mere girl, and this is my one chance to save myself from hell. I am not afraid of the woods, of exile, of anything, so I am with you. I would rather die than go to him--to confess him husband." "The lady is right, Rene," Boisrondet said earnestly. "You must think of her as well as yourself." "Think of her! _Mon Dieu_, of whom else do I think. Adele, do you mean your words? Would you give up all for me?" "Yes, Monsieur." "But do you know what your choice means?" I stood before him, brave in the darkness. "Monsieur I have faced it all. I know; the choice is made--will you take me?" Then I was in his strong arms, and for the first time, his lips met mine. CHAPTER XXXI WE REACH THE RIVER It was the voice of Boisrondet which recalled us to a sense of danger. "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."