The morning times., 1896-10-18

ments, and tall men would have looked like
dwarfs had he dared to look down upon
them. stcadying himself for Il last effort,
lie reached up and grasped two of the iron
knobs firmly, and drew himself up on his
knees on the cornice; moments wait, and
he cautiously raised one foot up and set it
down on the narrow space, then bearing his
weight on it, he slowly rose. stood erect,
and threw both arms around the steeple.
The rest Of the climb was like going
up tree. Winding lis strong arms and
legs about the steepIe he climbed the re-
naming distance, and throwing an arm
over the horizontal piece near the top, he
reached up, and eXerting all his strength,
tipped the big arrow hack into its socket.
Slowly 1t swung around until 1t pointed into
the eye Of the light breeze, and family from
beneath came the noise of a great cheer
Then he Slid back until his feet again res ted
on the cornice. But alas, poor Jacques. the
worst was TO come, and lie soon realized it.
As Jacques realized his POSITION constcr-
nation seized him. his hands grew cold and
his head got confused Turning partly. he
caught sight OF the depths beneath him, and
a wild impulse TO throw himself off seized
him. This became so strong that it seemed
as IL he must give way to it. and to
hold himself back he clutched his arms about
the tower until the Stats left deep, white
lines in his flesh.
Those on the ground saw that he was IN
difficulty.
He can't get any farther: he will fall.
sure" some one said Some gazed at
him spellbound. others turned away, un-
able to endure the sight of the boys peril
In moment more jacques must have fallen;
his head was whirling. and the big steeple
seemed to beswaying gently like tree in the
wind. when his hand touched the rope about
his waist; strange that he had not thoughtuf
1t before. 1t steadied him for the moment.
and his courage returned. Unfastening
the rope. he made one end fast around
the steeple. and found it was long enough
TO let to the window-sin below Giving the
rope strong pull to see that 1t was fast,
he let himself down, and III nome more
he had one kec on the little sill. his hands
again grasping the window top; then he
waited to regain his composure.
To those below it seemed as though the
boywOuld never make his way down, and to
Jacques himself 1t seem cd many times as
though he could endure the strain no longer,
and that his strength would give out. But
he was buoyed up by courage born of sue
cess just within his grasp, and slowly and
carefully the dangerous climb down was
accomplished n nd willing hands helped him
through the belfry window. Thenthe over
strained body gave way, and jacques did
what he supposed only girls did-he tainted.
Illness followed; the doctor said nervous
proStration, and for weeks Jacques laid in
bed; but he was not neglected. His story
went abroad through the town, and many
were the attentions shown him by those
| who became interested in his case. Not
only was the re ward of 500 francs given
| him, but enough more was willingly SUBJ
| scribed by wealthy members of the church
to pay all the expenses of sending Jeanie
| to Paris, where she soon after went in
charge of one of the home doctors.
One afternoon as jacques lay thinking
in bed, the quiet OF the little rooms Was
disturbed by rush of feet, and Jacques
| door was pushed softly open, and Jeanie's
face appeared, smiling and happy, the
blue eyes were open wide and life shin
ing in them.
"Jeanie, can you see?' cried Jacques.
"As well as yourself, Jackie dear" she
said, as he kissed her, and to prove it
she told him What each object was ON the
stand beside him.
1t Was even so. The operation had been
success and her sight was restored.
Jacques recovered, a nd his brave act helped
him TO a good position in one of the steam.
boat companys offices, and he is yet
knowniuHavreas boy who climbedthe
steeple of st. Paul's."