The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1877-01-24

the caves with al convulsive grasp, and
the next instant was dangling in mid
air over the abyss more than 100 feet
from the earth.
AS looked in this situation, under
me at the defective lantern, found |
was not directly over it-indeed,i it was
two feet further from the wall than l
had thought. y ..a
This circumstance, however, caused
me little anxiety. Giving myself a
swing, by which easily pressed one
foot against the building, sprang safe
ly into my resting place in the broken
lantern. % i
Here I sat a long time smoking my
cigar, drumming with my heels upon
the wall, .and complacently enjoying
the cool of the evening and the mag
niicent prospect.
The sun was setting before had
thought Of undertaking my return,
which was especially induced to do
10y the sight of one or two persons who
were standing beneath and gazing up
at me.
1t was not three minutes before quite
= crowd had gathered around them to
enjoy the spectacle Of a man sitting in
t. Peters lantern.
''Hallo,'' thought l, cit is now time
to return! Some one will find out
who am, land then there will be pref
ty gossip in the place." but suddenly
became aware that my return was not
so easy.
My seat was so constructed that /
could not raise in my usual way. The
sides of the lantern were Of smooth
iron, and 80 high that I could get no
hold. There was nothing left me but
to press my hands on the seat behind
me, and raise myself so, and draw my
legs after me until they could rest
Then could raise myself up to my
full height and turn around on my own
axis.
This way of raising yourself every
gymnast knows and practices, but
every one knows, too, what an exer-
ton of muscular strength in hands and
arms is necessary in this procedure,
and that any mistake would occasion
ailure-perhaps, too, fall below.
Now, there is a vast difference be-
tween a bar erected on level ground
and an iron lantern on the wall OF a
church 100 feet high, from which a
fall upon the rough pavement must
have an absolutely fatal effect.
The more considered my situation
the less it pleased me, and there sat,
smiled feebly at the multitude below,
which increased every moment, ashaln-
ed to cry for help or make known my
fear.
SWELL" said I to myself, ssif I sit
here any longer shall lose every ia.
vorable chance to escape. It is ludi-
crous to become bewildered like child
that has gone estray in climbing, quite
aside from the establishment that the
story must cause, if it comes to the
ears of my parishioners and support
ers. Up, then! I will close my eyes
and act as if I were performing on the
soft turf of my garden.
In the space of a minute l stood on
my legs in tho lantern and wondered
at my foolish weakness, when l OBJ.
served to my terror that I still had the
most difficult part of my undertaking
to perform. Raising my hands above
my head to seize the smooth stone
caves I became aware that they were
at least foot and a half beyond my
reach. In vain did rise on my tip
toes and stretch out my arms convul
s1vely it seemed highly probable that
l should have to spend the night in
this situation.
This was truly no agreeable consid-
Grafton, for the seat was only large
enough for me to sit upright in it, and
ii feel asleep, which was possible,
should be precipitated headlong upon
the pavement. Then they could col
lect my bones the next morning.
At this critical moment I was re-
joiced at the appearance of the sexton
on the caves. He had missed me, and
had come to seek me.
'Silberman - cried, intcrrupting
his exclamation Of establishment, 81
am, as you see, in q peculiar d.
lemma, since cannot reach the caves.
You must help me. 1t is no use to
bring rope, since you would not have
room to brace yourself. If you bend
down, however, and reach me your
hand, you can exert your entire
strength and raise me. You are pow-
erful man and I am not particularly
heavy"
ooh, sir, am sure that cannot
lift you!' he replied.
my good man, you must q assert
ed. 81 cannot 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, but give me your hand.'
In reply, the sexton crouched down,
unwillingly, and stretched out his
hand, which firmly seized with both
mine by the wrist, while I swung my