The Volcano lubricator. (Volcano, W. Va.) 1871-1879, 1874-02-12
NO.. 35.

Stepping from the logs upon the rock
which afforded at the best but an un-
certain foothold, he with little labor
loosened them, and they commenced
floating down the stream. With leap
he sprang on the hindmost, maintain
ing his balance as easily as practised
rope-walker would have done, and al
lowed the log to loat downward after
its companions. The water rushed
and boiled like huge caldron on eth
cr side and every now and then through
the fash Of the foam the dark headed
rocks would show themselves for
moment, and the next be submerged
by the rushing torrent. These he
would avoid By sweep Of the pole,
while every moment added to the velo.
city by which he moved, until at last
as the falls burst into sight round
cove, it seemed almost wonder how
it was that he managed to keep his bal.
ance, upon his uneasy footing.
Gordon had gone over the same
route but moment before, and was
now standing in triumph on the edge
Of the bank, to which he had brought
his log as easily as he would have
managed canoe; and there among his
companions who had run down to wit
ness their landing, he stood watching
the coming of Brown, who was making
the peri!ous journey with as much
cclnt IS he and done.
On he came, with now and then q
dip OF his pole in the water, and al
ready he had begun to shape his course
in to where he s.ood, when suddenly
a rush and a roar, that mingled with
the din of the falls sounded above them,
and great mass of ice and water that
had been detained BY barrier in the
brook that here emptied into tie river,
gave way and came pouring down a
fierce torrent, shooting far out into the
Current. a cry Of horror burst
from the lips Of the spectators as they
saw that it had caught the log upon
which their comrade was approaching
and in spite of al his efforts was carry
ing him out into the centre OF the river
while at the same time he was nearing
the brow OF the falls, at speed that
showed that no earthly power could
save him from taking tile fatal leap.
For God sake, strike for your lifc,"
shouted the boss, rs he saw the terrible
danger; but The man needed not this to
ircite him to do his utmost, but which
he knew would avail him nothing
Each moment brought him nearer to-
the fearful spot and at last he ceased
from his efforts, and turned white.
CHASTITY face towards his mute com
panions. For moment the log seem
ed to balance upon the very verge OF
the falls, while Brown seemed hung
suspended in the air, and the next mo-
ment the fearful leap was taEen, and
both man and log were plunged into
the raging pool beloT
Follow me- shouted Hartwell, as
he sprang down over the cliffs; but this
order was not needed, for some OF the
men had already reached the edge Of
the great barrier into which the waters
thundercd before him, and eagerly they
scanned the surface ofthe foam covered
caldron, but with very faint hope in
deed that they would ever see aught Of
their comradc again. But 4 moment
after, such 4 shout arose as the falls
never heard before, and even its voice
for time was drowned; for out from
the mist that rose up like vapor or
curtain hiding tie face Of the cataract,
they saw the head and shoulders Of
Bill Brown ciinging 10 log, which the
action OF me water was rapidly moving
towards the edge OF the pool. and three
minutes Later, eager and willing hands
pulled him ashore, among whom was
Cy Gordon, who exclaimed is he gasp
cd him my his hand:
az take back all I've said, Bill, and
vote myself fool in the bargain; and
and if cYc- hear YOU tell that you
have been o"cr Niagara, III swear that
it's So"
y fain. smile spread over Bills face
but as yet he had not found his ton
que. They carried him up to the cab
in and by thc Ecxs day he was as well