The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1896-11-26

eXultatlon IN my quick approach TO the
rope; hence came freedom to think how
I should act on reaching it and specu-
lation as to hog soon my comrades
would haul me up.
Then the idea rushed through me
that they might even yet draw it away
too soon; that, while almost in my
clutch, it might rise from my hands,
Instantly all the terrors of my position
returned with tenfold force. An out
ward thrust of the precipice seemed to
grow distinct, my trembling hands told
me that it moved bodily toward me, the
descent behind me took an unspeakable
remoteness, and from the utmost depth
Of that sheer air seemed to ascend stead
lily deadly and chilling wind. But
I think did not stop for an instant.
Instead delirium to move faster pos
sessed me, and with quick, sidelong
steps, my following foot striking hard
against that before, sometimes on the
point of stumbling, stretched out like
the crucifed. I pressed in mortal terror
along.
Every possible accident and delay was
presented to my excited brain. What if
the ledge should narrow suddenly to
nothing? Now I believed that my heels
were unsupported in air, and moved
along on tiptoe. Now was convinced
that the narrow pathway sloped out
ward; that this slope had become so dis
tinct, SO increasingly distinct, that |
might at any moment slip off into the
void. But dominating every considera-
ton Of possible disaster was still that
of the need for speed, and distinct amid
all other terrors was that sensation of
the dead wall ever silently and inexora
bly, pressing me outward.
NY mouth and throat were choked
with dryness, my convulsive lips parched
and arid. Much longed to press them
against the cold, moist stone. But I
never stopped. Faster, faster, more
wildly Istepped; in a delirium pushed
along. Then suddenly before my staring
eyes wassa we'll remembered edge of
messy stone, and knew that the rope
should be directly behind me. Was it?
I glanced over my left shoulder. The
rope was not to be seen. Wildly looked
over the other. No rope Almighty
God!
But what? Yes, it moves! It sways
in sight! 1t disappears, to return again
to view. There was the rope directly at
my back, swinging in the now strong
breeze with motion that had carried
it away from my first hurried chances.
With the relief tears pressed to my eyes,
~ L. 81
most forgetful for little time Of the
hungry air beneath - offered deep
thanks to God for the delivery that
seemed SO near.
I stood there for what now seems
space of hours, perhaps half minute
in reality. Then all the chances still to
be run crowded upon me- To turn
around had been an attempt almost des-
perate before, and certainly, most GER
tainly, the ledge was no wider where I
now stood. Was the rope within reach?
I feared not. Would it sway toward
me? could hope for that.
But could I grasp it? Should be
saved? Would it not yield to my hand
coming slowly down as ! pulled, I'M
the ground at the top, running fast as
it's end approached the edge, falling sud-
denly at last? Or was it fastened to the
accustomed stake? Was any comrade
near who would summon aid at my sig.
nal? IF not and if grasped it and if it
held, how long should [ swing in the
wind that now bore the freshness and
Of 90
Now again fear took hold on me, and
as a desperate man I prepared to turn
my face once more to the vast expanse
of water and nothing beyond that awful
cliff. Closing my eyes, writhed, with
/ know not what motions, easily around
till again my back pressed against the
precipice. That was restful sensation.
And now for the decision of my fate. I
looked at the rope. Not for moment
could I fancy it within my reach. It's
swayings were not, as had expected,
even slightly inward, but when falling
back against the wind it swung out
ward, as though the air was eddying
from the wall.
Now I gazed down steadily. Would a
leap be certain death? The water was
of immense depth below. But what
chance of striking it feet or head first?
What chance of preserving consciousness
in the descent? No; the leap would be
death. That at least was clear.
Again I turned to the rope. [ was
now perfectly desperate, but steady,
nerved beyond the best moments of my
life, good for an effort surprising the
human. Still the rope swayed as before,
and it's motion was very regular. | saw
that could touch it at any point of its
gyrations by a strong leap.
But could grasp it? What use if it
were not firmly secured above? But all
this time for hesitation had gone by. I
knew too we'll that strength was mine
but for moment, and that in the next
reaction of weakness should drop from
the wall like dead fly. Bracing my
self, watched the rope steadily for one
round, and, as it returned against the
wind, jumped straight out over the
heaving Atlantic.