The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-03-27
At the Top Of a High Chimney,

When I was three-and-twenty I went
down the country with the builder for
whom I worked, to carry out one of his
contracts. While there fell in love with the
prettiest girl hnd ever seen. She seemed
SO fattered with my attentions that was
full of hope, till an old lover joined our
force.
Then found out my mistake, as Mary at
once gave me the cold shoulder. My sue
cessful rival, Ben Lloyd, and were not,
of course, the best of friends; still bore
him no ill-will, and being of a CHEEKY tenn
per, soon got the best of it, and in time we
became great cronies.
I went toh his weddinga and after that often
dropped into their neat little cottage to see
them, and got to look upon Mary as sort
of sister. Ben had no grounds for jeal-
ousy, though evil tongues, found, were
busy.
The contract was nearly up, when q
lightning conductor upon one of the highest
chimneys over at Llanelly sprang, and the
owner of the works offered our master the
job.
"Its just the sort of thing for you,
Harry" said Mr.. -, when he told us
of it.
Itouched my cap, and accepted it off
hand, and then Ben stepped up and said
he'd volunteer to be the second man, two
being required.
GAN right" said the master, "you are
the steadiest headed fellows have. The
price is good one, and every penny of it
shall be divided between you. Well not fix
day for the work, but take the first calm
morning"
So it was that, some four or five morn
ings after, we found ourselves at the factory,
all ready
The kite by which the line attached to
the block was to be sent over the chimney,
was flown, and did its work well; the rope
which was to haul up the cradle was ready,
and stepping in, Ben and began the
ascent.
AS we went up I SOW crowds gather to
watch u.s.
There are plenty of star-gazers, Ben,"
said /, waving my cap to them. 'T dare
say they'd like to see us come down with o
run"
Cant you keep quiet" said Ben, in SO
strange voice that | turned to look at
him.
There he lay in heap in the bottom of
the cradle, his eyes closed.
"You're not afraid, said I.
"What's that to you?"
Nothing; but if you don't get used to
the height you may get dizzy"
Then I saw we were going up too fast.
They had not calculated right, and as
sure as death the cradle would strike the
coping, and if it did, death it would be, for
the rope would part.
There was no chance of signaling. told
Ben our only hope. We must swarm up
the rope to the chimney-top, and let the
cradle 60 its course.
We did SO, and were scarcely landed
when the cradle struck
The rope gave a shrill, piercing sound,
like a rifle e-ball passing through the air,
and snapped.
Down went the cradle, and there were
we left, nearly three hundred feet in the
air, with nothing to rest upon but coping
eighteen inches wide.
Ben shrieked out that he was q dead
man.
"Hush lad," said, "don't lose heart
Think of Mary, man, and keep up"
But he only shook and swayed more an
more, groaning, and crying out that he wa
lost; and could ses that if he did not mind
he would over balance.
'Get hold of the rod," I said, thinking
that. even sprung as it was, the touch of il
would give him courage.
Where is it. boy2" he said. hoarselv: