Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1883-08-10
A LEAP FOR LIFE.

-odh fFdhcisco Atlrs LtNcf,
- -
A LEAP FOR LIFE.
When | was 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
imbued me with some of mis- own inter-
est in the subject and many a long and
pleasant ramble we had together, armed
with our little hammers and specimens
cases; sometimes starting directly after
breakfast, and remaining absent till the
evening, either carrying our simple
luncheon with us, or adiourning for re-
freshment to some humble village hos
,elry, 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 eout and
rheumatism, and tied for most OF the
week to 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-sacriiice, ! do not
think need any further excuse for en-
tcring upon the details connected with
it. Few people are ever likely to be
placed in a 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 geologists of some emf
nence, who had heard of the special ia
cilitics the neighborhood afforded for
the pursuit of their fayorite science, and
had had some correspondence with my
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
geologists arrived; two very pleasant,
well-informed men, between whom and
my uncle very interesting and ami
mated conversation speedily ensued, in
which the terms "grantic debris, y
boulder clay, newer formations
"dip of the strata, were freely ban.
died about in manner very cdifying to
listen to, if not altogether Ineligible to
the majority oftheir hearers,
For the first day or two we contented
ourselves with showing the strangers
the features of scientific interest more
Immediately in the yicinity and with
these they were greatly gratifed. But
my uncle was anxious that they should
inspect q district some miles off, pecu-
iarly rich in specimens, and which he
had himself visited several years 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 tran
Mt a 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
magnificence-we indulged in loud OK
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 ant un-
fortunate vessels which should be cast
upon them.
Our expedition was a great success,
Many rare specimens of different fos-
sis were added to our collections. and
my uncle was much gratified that his
eNertions for the entertainment of his |
guests had been so satisfactorily re-
warded. We had taken some sandwiches
and sherry with us, and enioyed our
lunch during an interval of cessation I
from our geological researches. Bythis
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 a desire TO round a |
promontory a short distance ahead. so
as TO inspect the line Of coast lust L. |
yond; the proposal was agreed to: and
we all started along the cliff, which at
his place was Of lesser altitude than
ct some points we had previously
passed. though still It was about fifty
or sixty feet above the level of the sea.
which at the time was at full flow.
and washed against the rocky wall be-
low MS. To round the promontorv we
found It was necessary 10 descend a lit
tie way, and then proceed along a narrow
ledge ofprojecting rock. so very narrow
in some parts that Il 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. 50
The risk was disregarled; and the two
geologists and my uncle had just turned
round rather sharp angle, and I was
closely following. when the rock on
which | trod suddenly gave wav under
my feet. aid after abrief but insfecfn,l
struggle ! slipped down, with ny face
owar'ls the sea Uttering q cry. I in
flung my hands upwards;
me of them in some marvellous manner
'aughi . projecting portion Of the ledge:
he other was strongly grasped bv nv
incle.w beng mercifnlly close 10 me.
urned af my shout. and instantly seized
lold n ny extended hand. For two or
hree minutes which seemed an e,er-
Iiiy 10 us both, my brave relative. who.
h0ugh an elderly. was q rerr powerfui
nan. held me suspended in this FRIGHT
NJ manner. while BE- endearored 10 ,
ale IN The siiuation and deG.le on :
Ian ol actian. Our ho1ifel friends
Ter roEerIess % hslp. g. they could 1