Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1892-03-11

reach the outside in that way? 1t was
a long distance to climb. but 1t was his
only way out
He ran now rs fast as he could The
smell of the smoke grew stronger and
stronger He knew that if the smoke
did not come too fast, he could climb to
the top of the ladder; but how was he
TO get down? Never mind about that
now, he thought; he would rather be
dashed to pieces on the ground below
the chimney, than suffocated in this
horrible tunnel Besides, he could
call for help if he once reached the top
of the chimney.
Soon he gained the foot of the ladder,
and placing the lamp in his hat began
the ascent Already the white smoke
was beginning to fill the chimney. He
must climb for his life. The clouds of
smoke grew thicker and thicker about
him as he made his way desperately
ND the slender ladder. With every step
his breathing became more difficult
Could he hold out till he reached the
top?
Half stified. with a sickening, dizzy
feeling stealing over him, he at last
reached the top of the chimney and
Dire W himself up upon its rim Bend
ing Quickly over the side, he managed
to get a breath of fresh air. That re-
vived him. He glanced hastily about.
Darkness was fast settling over the
hill, but there was still light enough to
show him that no o-as--ds in sight
Far below in the valley he saw the
red lights cleaning from the open
doors of the smelling works, and now
and then caught the dark forms of the
workmen, but he knew they were be-
yond the sound of his voice 1t was
almost useless to expect help
Looking downwards, he saw what
might be a means of escape. Several
feet below him were the large stay
wires that held the great chimney in
place. If he could get down to these
wires he might slip to the ground.
But how could he be certain that if he
dropped he could catch one OF the
wires? If he missed it he would go to
the ground. seventy-ive feet be ow.
and be dashed to pieces.
It would be better to remain perched
upon the edge of the chimney and try
to keep his head out of the volume of
smoke until help should come. But
the smoke, growing denser every mo-
ment, swirled about the top of the
chimney. now and then completely en-
veloring him.
He knew that now the smoke was
only that which came from the burn
ing wood, but the charges of ore would
soon be placed in the furnaces, and
then the poisonous gas which would
rise must render his situation ten
times more perilous-
He looked down once more in the
hope of seeing some one whom he
might summon to his assistance. He
saw only the bare waste of the desc
late hill But, glancing down into the
little valley tow ards the town, he
presently discerned the forms of two
men walking in the direction of the
furnaces. If they should look up they
must have him in view. He shouted
to them, with all the strength he
could command, again and again But
the men continued their course down
the valley.
Harry was brave boy, but his heart
of escape was passing. Suddenly he
rememb bered the lamp which he had
placed in his hat Quickly taking it in
his hand, he began to wave it in a cir
Gle about his head Several times he
repeated this, shouting at the top Of
his voice as he did SO.
Presently he saw one of the men
stop He seemed to be looking in the
direction of the chimney. Then his
companion followed his example, and
a moment later Harry saw the m both
hurrying up the hill
He took new courage from their
coming, though he saw no way in
which they could help him. 1t was all
he could do now to keep his face out of
the huge clouds of smoke that were
pouring out of the chimney and curling
about him; but, leaning downward as
far as possible. he called to the men to
hurry to his assistance. In a few mo-
meuts they were within speaking dis
tance.
'QuickI' shouted Harry. Run for
ladders and ropesl can't hold on
here much louger!'
How did you get up there?" one OF
them called.
Never mind tell you I'll be dead
soon if you cont help mel" Harry
shouted.
The men turned about and ran in the
direction of the town. 1t was now al
sight in the shadows or the valley. Ii
seemed an age to Harey, though il
could not have been more than ten
minutes, before he caught sight of half
dozen lanterns moving swiftly
across the valley, followed by scores
of dark forms Two minutes later an
excited crowd of men came running uE
the slope, and were soon gathered
about the base of the chimney gazing
helplessly upward.
Take courage and hold FAST" shout
ed one of the men. The ladders will
be here in n few minutes to help you
down"
Il can't hold on much longer" an.
swcred Harry, leaning far over the
chimney, while the smoke whirled
about him Il can breathe here but
few minutes more. It's suifocating mer'
The people below hurried helplessly
back and forth. Some of them at
tached stone to a rope. and tried
vainly to throw it to the top of the
chimney.
Meantime hot, sickening blast OF
gas came up. from which Harry re-
coiled desperate Men had gone to
the works to drag the fire from the
furnaces, but the tunnel and 1ues were
now charged with gas. 1t was but an
affair Of minutes before Harry must
be asphyxiated and lose his grasp
The fremen rushed up to the base OF
the chimney and ran their ladders
aloft But the highest point they could
reach was thirty feet below the top.
A groan of disappointment went up
from the crowd. Harry realized that
now but one thing remained to be
done, and that must be done instantly.
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