The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1883-08-03
A LEAP FOR LIFE.

A LEAP FOR LIFE.
When l was a young fellow, now
many years ago, frequently spent part
of my vacations with an uncle, who
lived in beautiful part of Wales, and
whose house was only mile or two
from the coast-in that neighborhood,
very wild and precipitous, and remark
able for the peculiar character of the
strata of which many of the wave and
weather-beaten cliffs were composed.
My uncle was a keen geologist, and had
jmbued me with some of mis- own inter-
est in the subject; and many long and
pleasant ramble we had together, armed
with our little hammers and specimen
cases; sometimes starting directly after
breakfast, and remaining absent till the
evening, either carrying our simple
luncheon with us, or adjourning for re-
freshment to some humble village hos
telry, when such happened to be within
easy reach.
These were pleasant days. / often
look back to them now, when [ am an
elderly gentleman, subject to govt and
rheumatism, and tied for most of the
week to q dingy office in the city. But
they were very nearly being brought to
an abrupt conclusion by an incident
that occurred during one Of our more
distant excursions; and as the relation
OF this Incident commentaries rare
instance of combined pluck, presence of
mind and heroic self-sacrifce, [ do not
think l need any further excuse for en-
tering upon the details connected with
it. Few people are ever likely to be
placed in similar position; should,
however, such an occasion arise, let us
hope they may not be found wanting in
ability to follow SO admirable an ex-
ample.
During one of my visits to my uncle,
he had at the same time as guests two
professional biologists of some emf
nence, who had heard of the special fa-
cilities the neighborhood afforded for
the pursuit of their favorite science, and
had had some correspondence with nv
uncle on the subject, which resulted in
their receiving an invitation from my
hospitable relative to come to his house
and judge of the matter for themselves.
This invitation was accepted, and the
biologists arrived; two very pleasant,
well-intormed men, between whom and
my uncle very interesting and ami
mated conversation speedily ensued, in
which the terms "granitic debris, !"
"boulder clay, "newer formations -
" dip of the strata, We're freely ban.
died about in q manner very edifying to
listen to, if not altogether Ineligible to
the majority of their hearers.
For the first day or two we contented
ourselves with showing the strangers
the features of scientific interest more
Immediately in the vicinity; and with
these they were greatly gratified. But
my uncle was anxious that they should
inspect district some miles off, pecul-
larly rich in specimens, and which he
had himself visited several wears be-
fore, but never since / had been the
companion Of his expeditions; therefore
1t was new to me as well as to our
guests. Everything was arranged for
our start; and we set off after an early
breakfast, driving the first portion OF
the distance, and putting up our trap
at farmhouse, to await our return,
while we pursued the remainder OF our
excursion on foot. 1t was an exquisite
day; and as we walked along the cliffs
here OF very remarkable height and
magniticence-we INDUCED in loud ex-
pressions of admiration at the beauty
of the scenery, the bold line of coast
stretching away for miles on each side.
the tremendous precipices descending
sheer to the blue waters that Tapped
their base; only here and there broken
by some Jagged and pointed rocks, that
threatened rapid destruction to any I'M
fortunate vessels which should be cast
upon them.
Our expedition was a great success.
Many rare specimens of different fos.
sils were added to our collections, and
my uncle was much gratified that his
eXertions for the entertainment of his
guests had been so satisfactorily re-
warded. We had taken some sandwiches
and sherry with us, and enjoyed our
lunch during an interval of cessation
from our geological researches. Bv this
time we had reached the extreme end
of our expedition, and were on the point
of retracing our steps when one Of the
strangers expressed desire to round a
promontory short distance ahead, SC
as to inspect the line Of coast lust be.
You'd; the proposal was agreed to: and
we all started along the cliff, which at
this place was of lesser altitude than
at some points we had previously
passed, though still it was about fifty
or SIXTY feet above the level of the sea,
winch at the time was at full flow.
ana washed against the rocky wall be-
low us. 10 round the promontory we
found It was necessary to descend q lit
tie way, and then proceed along narrow
ledge ofprojecting rock, so very narrow
in some parts that it would have been
impossible for any one to have attempt-
ed the passage unless he had a remark
ably good and steady head.
We were all experienced climbers. Sc
the risk was disregarded; and the two
biologists and my uncle had just turned
round a rather sharp angle, and | was
closely following, when the rock on
which | trod suddenly gave way under
my feet, and after abrief but Intellectual
struggle | slipped down, with nv face
towards the sea. Uttering a cry, I in
stinctlvely flung my hands upwards;
one OF them in some marvellous manner
caught a projecting portion of the ledge;
the other was strongly grasped by my
uncle who, being mercifully close to me,
turned at my shout, and Instantly seized
hold OF my extended hand. For two 81
three minutes, which seemed an eter-
nifty to us both, my brave relative. who.
though an elderly, was very powerful
man, held me suspended in this frioht-
tul manner, while he endeayored 20
take in the situation and decide on 4
plan of action. Our Mortified friends
were powerless to help, as they could