Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-01-25
gossip in the place. But suddenly be-
came aware that return was not SO


came aware that return was not sc
easy. ,g n@
| My seat was so constructed that ]
could not rise in my usual way. The
sides of the lantern were of smooth iron
and so high that | could get no hold
There was nothing left me butte press
my hands upon the seat behind me-
raise myself so, and draw my legs after
me until they could rest between my
hands upon the lantern. Then 1 could
raise to my full height and turn around
on my axis.
This way of raising yourself every
gymnast knows and practices, but every
one knows, TOO, what an exertion o.
muscular strength in hands and arms is
necessary in this procedure, and that any
mistake would occasion failure per
haps, too, a fall below.
Now, there lisa vast difference between
bar erected on level ground and ar
iron lantern on the wall Of church g
hundred feet high, from which fall
upon the rough pavement must have an
absolutely fatal effect.
The more I considered my situation
the less it pleased me, and there I sat
smiled feebly at the multitude below
which increased every moment, ashamed
to cry for help, or make known my
fear. .g.etr &c a
'Well," said 1 to myself, ,''if I sill
here any longerI shall lose every favor.
able chance to escape. 1t is ludicrous
to become bewildered, like child that
has gone astray in climbing, quite aside
from the. astonistmen that the story
must cause, if it comes to the ears 0.
my Pensioners and supporters. Up,
then! I will close my eyes and act as
if were performing on the soft turf Of
my garden.
In the space Of minute 1 stood on
my legs in the lantern, and wondered
at my foolish weakness, when 1 observed
to my terror that still had the most
difficult part Of my undertaking to
perform. Raising my hands above my
head to seize-the smooth stone caves, |
became aware that they were at least
foot and half beyond my reach. In
vain did I,rise on my tlptoes and stretch
out my arms conyulsiyely; it seemed
highly probable that I should have to
spend the night in this situation.
This was truly no agreeable considera-
ton; for the seat was only just large
enough for me to sit upright in it, and
if / fell asleep, which was possible, I
should be precipitated head,ong upon
the pavement. Then they could collect
my bones theFneXt morning.
At this critical moment 1 was retoiced
by the appearance of the sexton on the
caves. He had missed me. and had
come to seek me.
'.Silbernan" I cried, interrupting
his EXPLANATIONS Of establishment, 81
am as you see, in peculiar dilemma.
since can not reach the caves. You
must help me. II is no use to bring a
rope, since you would not have room to
brace yourself. If you bend down, how
ever, and reach me your hand, you can
exert your entire strength and raise me.
You are powerful man, and | am not
particularly heavy"
's0h, sir. 1 am sure that 1 can not lift
you!" he replied.
''My good man, you must J" assert
ed. II can not indeed pass the whole
night in this situation, and, moreover, I
might pack up my bundle tomorrow
Immediately, when this stupid story
became known. Do not be foolish,
therefore, and give me your hand"
In reply the sexton crouched down,
unwilllngly, and stretched out his hand,
which I firmly grasped with both of
mine by the wrist, while swung myself
into mid-ar. l felt one or two con-
vulsive jerks, and was drawn up about
half foot, but then at once let down
again. Hecould not raise me.
I looked up. Such a visage as met
my gaze may never in my life see
again. 1t was pale as death; the
protruding eyes stared with the express
sion Of measureless terror into the
abyss beneath us, and a cold sweat
stood upon his forehead.
LET go!" he cried. Courses upon
you, letgo! You will break my arm!
can hold on no longer, and shall be
dashed in pieces below !"
He walled like child at this moment
Of extreme peril. Ny hair rose-my
brain reeled. l expected myself every
instant to plunge below. Ny despera-
ton gave me GOODNESS, and | was sur
prised at the clearness and consistency
with which spoke.
"Silberman," l said ''listen to me
and cease this unreasonable clamor. |
can feel that you are gaining counterpoise
more and more every second. If let
go Of you 1 shall perish; if not, we
both will, and assure you that 1 shall
not let go as long as l can hold on.
You had better, therefore, draw me up
at once.'
l saw that he set his teeth together
and closed his eyes. Then followed a
terrible exhibition of strength, and |
was kneeling on the caves. The sexton
lay beside me in deep swoon. l bore
him carefully through the trap-door to
the vestry, and gave him water, so that
he soon recovered consciousness but
neither, of us have ever forgotten that
perilous adventure upon the caves of
the church roef.
As for myself. three months passed
by before 1 again trod this almost fatal
place, and you can imagine that l
avoidad st Pater,s lantern like fire