Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-12-24


10 do with T..
You are silly Giles. Because $ las
Humphrey mas have done wrong il 5
no reason tic church should not accept
| the bell. y
Have yonr own way. Parser. Have
your own way. But tel YOU the mon
ey came through evil. and the bell will
bring only ev,l
You are croakey, Giles. The bell
will be swinging IA 81 Agnes tower be-
fore two montlS, and on Christmas
day WI, ring rs iucrr ~ as any bell in
all England
Let il he croakcr. ParHer. Wen see.
Wei see. said AIt. Giles.
30 the conversation ended fol that
day. and the subject was not mentioned
! again FOR about a month, when one
night, rs the two friends We're seated at
the table where Silas Humphrey had
told of his crimes. the clerk of the par
ish entered tn room
Good evening, Mr.. Miller. good eve
ning, said Giles come. take a seat
and tell us the London news When did
you reach home?'
This very afternoon, returned the
clerk.
What news about the casting OF the
bell?" asked Mr.. Parker
bad news said the clerk.
Il told YOU So, told You So" said
Mr. Giles. What is it, Miller? Out
with il"
Il wen! 10 see them pour the bell"
answered Miller, land all was ready at
three O'Clock YESTERDAY The metal
was in huge ron pot which some
workmen were swinging by crane in
to place TO pour, when chain parted
and the molten mass was spilled onto
two of the men. killing them Instantly"
"What did tell YOU. Parker, what
did | tell yOu?" asked Mr.. Giles in an
excited manner. Didn't say it would
bring evil? Here are two good lives
sacrificed. and there may be more
There may be more.
Tho will try again next week."
said the clerk.
They had better stop right where
they are. They had better stop" an
severed Mr. Giles.
Mr.. Parker had nothing further to
say nj that time. He was much affect
ed. and began 10 fear, that perhaps Mr..
Giles was ght. But on that day two
weeks he had forgotten his fears and
entering ~. Agnes Inn said: The
bell is here. and will be hung to-mor-
row. II j. so large we must build n
scaloldine and take it up outside of
the tow o.. and let it down through the
roof. luu must come and see Us hang
It. There viii be Il fire in the church
stove to keep your fingers warm"
Of Il
never fall on me after the bell is on the
ground. = said Mr.. q les. But will
be there.
That is right. Giles. Come and
hear the bell ring out u merry laugh at
your fears.
The next morning the bell was depos-
tied az the foot OF 81. Agnes tower. and !
the men who had gathered at the |
church were warming themselves at |
the fire inside, waiting for those who |
had not yet come. When Mr. Giles |
came he did no; 90 near the church. |
but stood some distance from the tow |
er. looking upon the bell i'm "A half |
frightened manner. as though it were /
some brass jawed and ron-iawed wild /
beast ready TO spring on him. To Mr. |
Giles 1t was not senseleSs mass of .
metal but the incarnation of Silas |
evil deeds He was
fr ghencd AT the very thought of its /
voice calling Gods wor-
together. He was startled bv |
the cheerful voice of Mr.. Parker be-
hind him.
Come. Giles" sad Mr.. Parker.
'don stand here freezing this cold
but lend hand. and we will
have the bell, in place in no time.
mo, Parker, no. Not | ! wouldn't
touch hand to the thing for all the
royal treasure"
Then stay where YOU are. and in
half an hour you Will see the bell swing
ne, and hear It's voice laughing at YOU"
MIR. Parker SAID Is he went towards the
church
Mr.. Giles stood looking at the bell.
while the men prepared TO put it in
position. Mr.. Parker took his place at
the top of the tower beside an i'm
promptu crane which had been erected
with It's projecting arm reaching beyond
the wall, and holding suspended rope
which was 10 raise the bell All was
made ready. One end of the rope was
secured 10 the bell. while the other.
which had been run over pulley on the
crane above, was fastened TO windlass
On the ground. Eight men seized the
arms of the windlass and walked slowly
around with it. The bell began 10 rise
md was soon swinging clear Higher
and h CHER it went. while Mr.. Parker
above allowed the rope to pass between
MS hands, and gave directions to the
men below.
Mr.. Giles stood spcechlcss. shading
his ewes and watching this monster of
4 bell suspended between earth and
sky. The thought came into his mind
hat such should have been the fate of
Silas Humphrey.
The bell reached the top of the
over, and slowly rising was on
above it. Mr.. Parker took firm hold
Of the rope with one hand and called
or help to swing the bell over the par
pet. that it might be lowered to the
prepared for it. lie looked
Town to Mr.. Giles. and waved his
land eXultinply Was IL only imoCi .