The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-10-02

the grim reaper had been cheated OF
a victim, n that a man had been
snatched from the very jaws Of death.
But In some way the rope got caught
under a rock. IL was found necessary
10 slack back a little. This was done.
The boat iioated a few feet down the
river, swung round the lower end Of
the rock. and there the rope got caught
and held the boat immovable. Once
more the poor, lone. life-lOving man IN
the rock began his part Of the work
OF rescue. With n OF his boots ne
baled the water out Of the craft. push
ed II away from the rock and jumped
into IT,, but all his efforts 20 move the
boat any distance were In vain, and
more than an hour was wasted in try
ing TO release her. II was an hour Of
terrible suspense, not only for Avery,
but to all on shore. He worked hard
for he was working for his life.
II was apparent that another plan %
rescue must be devised. and about this
lime a raft had been completed. II
was from 20 20 30 feet long and FIVE feet
wide. This raft consisted OF two stout
poles made fast by mailing four or five
pieces Of two-inCh board at each PIX
tremity. Thus il was a skeleton-like
AFFAIR. with a small stage at each end.
on one Of these stages. that to which
the cables were attached. was afhxed
a large empty cask for the sake OF its
~buoyancy, and on the other end was
placed a complete network OF cords
ana ropes. 10 which the man was ex-
pected to lash himself. There was also
a tin car OF refreshments. ii being evil
dent hat Avery must be hungry. as
he had had nothing 10 eat since the day
before.
The raft was launched and safely let
down to the log. Avery committed him
self to its care, then signaled TO be
drawn up. once more IL looked as n
he were TO be saved. The ropes were
drawn in. The water rolled over the
raft to such a depth that Avery was
forced to raise himself to all fours TO
escape being drowned. As the raft
neared the ledge the weight OF the fall
ing water pressed its head down and
the hard pulling of the men simply
landed IL hard under the rocks. The
ropes were slackened: the raft fell
back, but would not advance any fur
Their up stream at that point. SO IL
was determined TO swing her 90 an
other part Of the rapid, where It did
not seem TO be quite So impossible.
This was done and a second attempt
was made TO draw IL up half way be-
tween the rock and Chapin's island.
Failure again resulted. and the men at
the ropes then allowed the raft 20
swing down below the island, hoping
IL would land. Again the cable caught
In the rocks, and the raft was station
airy. Avery appeared 70 be resting.
Earlier in the day one OF the large
f~erryboats at that time used TO cross
the river just below the falls had been
brought up the bank. but up to this
time had not been used. II was now
brought into service, and nobly she
rode down toward the raft. Observing
the boats approach. Avery united his
lashings, stood upright on the raft,
eagerly awaiting the m when
the boat SHOULD come within reach.
She had but one more reef 10 pass. She
paused at the brink OF H.. swung down
IL like lightning. Avery leaned for
ward TO seize her.
She rose on the returning wave.
struck him fun in the chest, Knocked
hin on the raft. and I'm a minute he
was hopelessly struggling In the torrent
OF the Niagara rapids, plunging on 10
death and eternity. From the people
on shore, who for hours had been pray
Ing and working TO save him. there
went up an exclamation Of horror. Wo-
men tainted and strong men who bat
tied for his life wcpt like children.
Then there was a GREATNESS silence.
the eyes Of all were fixed on his form
battling feebly with the waves. In an
other instant he passed out Of sight
over the brink Of the falls. Some say
there was "A asst wild wave Of his arms
In arewell just as he was swept over
the precipicc. Avery was lost.
This was the thrilling scene enacted
ON the very part Of the river where
ended his life. Had ne landed
On the rock ne might have been a sec
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