In Search of a Son

by William S. Walsh

"That I go up first."

"Yes, my dear friend, I consent. You shall go first," said Monsieur Roger, who would have himself suggested this if the idea had not come to Paul.

Both of them, Monsieur Roger and Paul, had at this moment the same idea of self-sacrifice. Paul said to himself, "If any accident happens, it will happen to me, and not to Monsieur Roger." And Monsieur Roger, sure of his own strength, thought, "If Paul should happen to fall, very likely I may be able to catch him and save him."

Luckily, the ascent, though somewhat difficult, was accomplished victoriously, and Monsieur Roger was enabled to recognize that the modified admiration which Paul Solange felt for the landscape, as seen from below, was entirely justified.

Paul asked,—

"How high is this tower? A hundred feet?"

"Less than that, I think," answered Monsieur Roger. "Still, it will be easy to find out exactly in a moment."

"In a moment?" asked Paul.

"Yes, in a moment."

"Without descending?"