The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-09-29
M is @ elan O us.
A Lime-Burncr's Experience.

1t was twenty years ago that what am
about to relate occurred. l was the super
intendent of a number of lime kilns in the
rich ime-producing region Of Carringham,
Pennsylvania.
1t was the day before Christmas. told
the hands over whom had charge, that in
consequence of the approaching holiday,
our employer would excuse them from la
Dor that afternoon; that l would return
to the kilns and myself finish little ne
cessary work we had left upon going to our
midday meal.
Accordingly, alone, l set off 10 attend to
this duty, while my subordinates went re-
joicingly to their homes. The klns were
situated on lonely road in remote part
OF the village--a road that was seldom
Travelled. l reached the spot and COM
menced my labor 1t occupied me longer
than had supposed it would, so that day
wore we'll away, and had not yet finished.
December afternoons, it must be remem-
bered, are very brief. I had yet to cover
one kiln of burnt stone before could leave.
The weather was very mild for the time of
the year, and rain was threatened instead
of the more seasonable Christmas snow.
1t would never do to leave the kiln exposed,
as its contents might thereby be slaked,"
and thus greatly damaged for sale.
In passing near the brink ofthe open kiln,
inadvertently stepped upon loose stone
that lay upon it, and, in my haste, was
somewhat awkwardly precipitated upon
the mass below. l fell in such a manner
as to fracture my leg, and on attempting
to regain the top of the kiln, found | was
unable to do so. An instantaneous chill
of horror struck me. What if my leg was
broken, and l could not eXtricate myself 2
| was in lonely place; the workmen were
all away and my whereabouts might not
be guessed until too late. For, in my help
less condition, was exposed to a double
danger; rain might fall and cause the
burnt stone beneath me to slake," and
thus consume me in the heat generated in
consequence; or the wind might change
and blow upon me the deadly carbonic
gases from the adjoining kilns, which were
in full blast. My situation was most Sc
rious. l made repeated efforts to drag
myself to the top of what was now my pris-
on; but the pain was so exquisite, upon
my making the least movement, that l was
forced to give up the attempt. The dis
lance to the brink of the kiln was very
short, and yet, in my disabled condition,
it was a fearful one to me.
shouted for assistance, but had little
hope of any but chance passer hearing
me. Nevertheless, repeated my cries
until became hoarse and almost exhaust
ed. A cold sweat broke out upon my fore
head, and my fractured limb began to
swell and pain me exceedingly. The early
winter twilight came on. The clouds grew
heavier and the wind howled dismally
through the bare branches of the adjoining
forest. If rain fell, and l remained mex
tricated, I was lost. Great Heavens was
to be burnt alive 2-was | to perish in
this miserable manner9 The thought was
dreadful.
] reflected that my men were now safe in
their homes, enjoying by their firesides the
joyful Christmas Eve. My absence by this
time was, of course, remarked; but nv
family would doubtlessly suppose that /
stopped at an adjacent village on business,
as was frequently my custom on returning
home.
Again and again shouted for help.
The moaning wind was my only answer.
An hour of agony went by-a long, dark
hour it was; and then to my increased
horror, felt the gentle tip tap" of rain
drops upon my brow and hands. God help
me if that timid fall grew to be steady
showerl
Another hour-though it seemed to me
like an eternity-went by, and none had
heard me, or CHANGED to come to my assist
ance. Twas about to yield myself to de-
spair, Tor the rain was now descending
steadily, when 1 detected human foot,
step near. raised my now feeble voice
to pitch of pain, and implored assistance.
A startled exclamation was the response
to my agonized call. Again I cried for
help, hopeful now of aid ~
"Who's there2" demanded voice,
which thought was surely that of wo-
man. At .
Yet how strange for such to be present
at that hour Perhaps it was only phan-
tasy of my over tried brain. Was I going
mad with the terrors of my situation2
"IIelp! help" shouted in tones that
must have been terrifying in their earnest
ness. Help, for Gods sake II am per-
ishing ~
"Who are you9" asked the person from
above.
"Nr. Eastman's superintendent, re-
piled. 81 have fallen into the lime pit,
and fractured my leg. Hasten for help,
pray of youl"