Page:Collection of notable things worth knowing.pdf/8

8 producing re-animation; and although a foolish story was circulated of his having revived, and became a leading member of Congress in the United States of America, yet it is certain that his own drop finished his life.

Three hunters were in pursuit of a Chamois on a glacier, which was so covered with snow that it was impossible to see the deep chasms into which, when melting, the water precipitated itself in torrents. The foremost of them was walking over one of these treacherous abysses, when the snow gave way, and the poor fellow disappeared. In spite of his fright, he fortunately retained sufficient presence of mind to throw out his arms and legs, when falling in such a manner as to remain suspended between two walls of ice, with a view of the torrents roaring as they fell into the horrid gulph beneath him. His comrades having lost sight of him, began to be apprehensive that he had met with some accident; and on making the signal, previously concerted among themselves, they knew that he was in danger, and required immediate assistance. They returned as speedily as possible to the nearest hamlet, (a good league distant) in quest of cords. Disappointed of finding any, they took a miserable bed quilt, cut it in strips, which they tied together, and flew to the spot where they had left their unfortunate