St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1894-05-24

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well. this seems TO be a pretty
tight Jail right here, with small
chances of getting bailed out" l re-
piled.
BY this time it had grown dark,
and we prepared to pass the night
IS best we could.
The shower came and passed, leav-
ing the atmosphere more oppressive
than before. Sleep was manifestly
impossible. 1 famed Nanette, who
was restless and full of fears.
We should be rescued in the morn
ing, assured her.
Isn't it most morning?" she
asked.
struck a match and looked at my
watch. 1t was half-past ten.
Every minute seemed an hour,
without rebate.
Finally l thought of something.
''Nanette, I've an idea"
What is it
There's a big wide chimney to
this cottage, isn't there ?"
Yes"
We'll, l believe l can get out of
here through that chimney"
But, Fred, how can you get past
the bend? I'm sure you never can"
Nothing like trying Nan-and I'm
going to try as soon as it's day
light"
But suppose somebody should see
you?
Let 'em see! I'm for getting out
of this place before have to be car
ried out"
But you'll be sure to fail, dear,
and break leg"
well, I'll risk that part of it. III
take rope along with me, and let
myself down easy from the top.
You'll see'
"Oh, l do hope YOU can. Then you
won't have to make the alarm
sound, will you? But what are you
going to do when you get down"
Going to send for Scarritt."
And leave me here all alone?"
''Oh, not for long"
But l don't want you to go
away"
We'll, must for little while
only little while, Nan"
"Oh, 1 shall be scared to death,
just know l shall"
l Gained her fears, and she finally
fell asleep.
At the first break of day l repaired
to the chimney, and found that it
was wide enough to admit me.
prepared for the ascent by remov-
ing the most Of my clothing, and ty-
ing around my waist a rope, which
| intended to use in letting myself
down from the chimney top.
While Nan slept, 1 thought a good
opportunity to make the ascent,
hoping l could get out and return
with the combination to Scarritt's
lock before she awOke
l got in the chimney and worked
up to the bend without difficulty.
The bend was a sharp one. After
passing it l paused for a rest and a
view OF the situation. From that
point the chimney narrowed to the
top. 1t was rough climbing, but 1
started again, and went on until
found the opening was too small to
proceed further. l worked hard, but
finally had to give up the idea of
advancement in that direction. On
preparing TO descend, however, 1
found l could make no progress
downward. In vain l pushed and
strained and twisted. Twas wedged
fast. l was afraid to call aloud for
fear of waking Nan, who would be
frightened if she could not see me
anywhere.
For at least an hour l remained in
my tight place. This gave me plenty
OF time to reflect on my past life and
the warmth of the weather. Finally
l heard Nanette calling for me.
shouted in response, and she came to
the fireplace, where I had left my
clothing.
Pred, where are your" she
screamed.
"Here-up the chimney!" 1 replied.
"Oh, are you hurt, or killed, or
anything?
''No-only stationary"
Are you nearly out?"
mo, can't get out"
Then come down."
Cant
why can't you?"
Stuck fast"
"Oh, oh. how ever shall you get
out? You'll be asphyxiated-I
know you will What shall l do?"
could not we'll see how l was 60
ing to be asphyxiated unless there
was a fire somewhere, but 1 thought |
it likely that l might be suffocated
without much trouble. l wasted no
words in comment, but told Nan to
watch for some one going by.
She took up her station at the |
window, looking through the Stats
of the inside shutters. and every
little while would come to the fire.
place and inquire:
Are you there"
l could not deny that l was.