Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-03-13

be cautious, for if afterward our ladder might happen to topple over the fall
 would be fatal. Upon the top of this first log we put second in such man. ner that a man might step from the first to the second. This was effected by inserting seaweed behind the first log, causing 1t to stand out from the rocky incline to the distance of about three. quarters of foot. The base of the sec ond log touched the rock, but its top in a similar manner we caused to stand back by means of seaweed. In this way we proposed to make our ladder, or rather our stairs. When completed, we hoped to be able to step up to Curry's Window almost as easily as one might go up stairs in house. The necessity of making the ends of these blocks quite smooth and level, to which I have al- ready referred, can be now perceived. Each log had to rest evenly on the head of the one below it. When our stairs had reached certain height, Jack went up, and handed him the smaller blocks, which he proceeded to manipulate and adjust with seaweed in the manner which have described. It was a little after 12 when our stairs were complet- ed. Then, with a cheer which awoke a thousand rumbllng echoes through the vast cavern and along the corridors, we hastened back to the seals pool and joyfully broiled our last dinner there. Then we unloosed Scamp and had a final farewell to all the seals. Indeed myself felt a sort of regret at parting with them, though my acquaintance with the gentle and atfectionate creatures was so recent, but Jack fairly-weIl, it is no matter. In time we bade fare we'll to the seals, and putting up the few things we had to bring with us and the butt ends of our fishing rods, in or der to steady us in our return along the face of the cliff, ascended the stairs, congratulating each other on the excel lence of our handiwork, and together stood in CurIy's Window contemplat- ing the great sea, which at the moment was flashing in the sunlight. Jacks face was literally as bright as that sum- lit sea. We made our way carefully along the little ledge. Indeed I may as we'll say that went carefully, tor Jack, who had now been for months stepping about among the powders of the cave, was as sure footed as goat. In due time we came to that yawning cleft which ever since the days of old Curry, the smuggler, had repelled men from traversing this cliff. Jack sprang across without a moments hesitation. Ii was a big leap indeed, but the leap back was not so appalling as the leap for ward, for there was plenty of foothold on the Dhu-Corrig side of the chasm. AS we drew nigh to Melody's cabin that worthy, who had been released from jail, issued huge in the little bright doorway and behind hlm his young hope full, that illustrious young scholar, Dan nie. Big Melody, who, I thought, was devoid of all amiable human instincts. actually wept, and the lllustrious Dan nie ran off to the village, roaring like a little bull: Master Jack is found! The two of them is found!'' All the viii lage people and a great many of the country people, who had been celebrat- ing the eve of the great festival in the public house-Johnnie Melville's, if that is any matter-ran to meet us, so that 1t was at the head of d great pro- cession that We reached the rectory. Needless to say that my father, though strongly averse to such practices, made no objection when Jack proposed to send to Johnnie Melville's for barrel of porter It was broached on the lawn under torchlight and then emptied. AS every one was teasing us about our place of concealment, Jack announced that he would make speech and tell them all together of our adventures. Accordingly, as soon as he had changed his clothes-those ill which he had re-