Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-07-30
SLOWLY HE NEARED THE PLACE.

Franks first impulse was to spring out
of bed and follow him. He will come
to some HARM he thought. ''The
stairs are just outside" Then came
selfish thought. ''It is cold. He
wouldn't do it for me- Five minutes
later Frank Harrington was fast asleep.
Every morning at half past five the
bell of Sainte Barbe rouses the stu
dents of the college. A half an hour
later it is rung for prayers. But the
hands of the clock pointed to twenty
five minutes to six, and one after an
other the boys awakened, wondering
what allied the punctual old bell, that
had never failed in its duty since their
grandfathers were babies They were
not left long, however, in suspense
Through the long corridors one of the
under professors noiselessly passed.
With his finger on his lip commanding
silence, he beckOned to the frightened
boys who quickly gathered round him,
and in low. hurried tones told them
why the bell had not been rung. In the
dim gray light of dawn, one of the pro-
fessors, looking from his window, had
seen little Louis de Chaves sitting on
the edge of the caves which ran along
the French roof of the further build
ing, his feet swinging over the terri
BILE height, and his whole attitude
showing him to be asleep. The win
dows above him were securely grated,
so that the only way he could pos
sibly have reached this position
was to have climbed out of the
window at which the professor was
standing, walked over the roof below,
and crossed narrow ledge which ran
hot no h,,i1
fessor stood for moment horror
stricken, then rushed with the alarm
ing news to the head of the college,
who commanded that the bell should
not be rung, and sent immediately for
the nearest marie for assistance, and so
perfect is the police system of Paris
that, by the time the boys had hurried
ly pulled on their clothes and collected
outside the building, beds and hay were
piled on the ground, policemen were
stationed at the two streets running
into the Rue de Reims to prevent per-
sons, or vehicles, from passing, and
others We're ranged all along the walls
to maintain the perfect silence which
was absolutely necessary, for everyone
knew tn at any sound awakening the
little sleeper would be instantaneous
death by causing him to fall from his
dangerous position down the fearful
mum Der of feet which lay between him
and the ground.
The question now arose as to how
the boy was to be saved. There seemed
but one way: to take out the grating as
quietly as possible from the window
above. and let some one down to him
by rope.
But who would undertake SO hazard
Gus thing? All held back afraid.
They knew that one false step, or the
least want of steadinesS would hurl
the unconscious boy to the ground.
Frank Harrington, too, heard the
reason told in whispered tones why the
bell was silent. He stood now among
the group of frightened boys, his eyes
fixed in horror on the helpless figure
so far above him, for he knew that he
had held in his hand the night before
the life of Louis de Chaves and had
thrown it away as worthless.
He stood dazed and shuddering, I'M
til he heard them wondering around
him who would be brave enough to try
to save Louis. Then he started for
ward: ~ will go. Oh! let me try
am sure can save him. he whispered,
earnestly. The permission was grant
ed, and a few minutes later all below
were held spellbound as Frank APP
peared at the window, and cautiously
began his descent toward the spot to
which all eyes were lifted.
Three policemen held the rope, which
was fastened just below his arms
Slowly he neared the place, he reached
it, he clasped the sleeping boy firmly
around the waist. A struggle as the
little fellow awoke, and then, as the
two boys were carefully drawn up
again, cheer upon cheer echoed up
and down the street for Louis de
Chaves and SIC petit Americain.' And
when, a moment later, the great bell
pealed forth to summon them to
prayers, all knelt with softened, CRATE
full hearts around the young royalist
and the brave boy who had saved his
life and gained his friendship.-Kath-
crime Hamilton, IN Anne rican Agricul-
turist.