“Oh, he’s left town after fixing the spire.”
Will Bertram, an interested listener to all that had been said, stepped forward impulsively.
His heart beat more quickly as he thought of how much good the money might do his family, yet he trembled at his own boldness, as he asked:
“Is the offer open to anybody, sir?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll earn it. I’ll get the bird for you.”
“Here, come back! I don’t want a reckless boy to risk his life,” began the stranger, alarmed at the result of his careless offer.
But Will was gone, and a moment later after disappearing in the basement, appeared on the ledge of the third story of the building, waving his hand to the people below.
A new element of excitement was awakened by his rashness. When he appeared in view again at the base of the tower an apprehensive hush fell over the throng.
He glanced down once at the upturned faces and then looked upwards. But that he did not care to expose himself to ridicule and the charge of cowardice he would have returned below.