A High-Wire Act Above Fourth Street

A Swede, employed in the moving of the old Land building, had a narrow escape from death or serious injury Monday morning, and incidentally gave an exhibition of slack wire gymnastics that sent thrills through the spectators. He was on top of the building, raising the light and telephone wires as the building passed under. As the building was leaving Fourth street, where the wires are thickest, a sudden move on the part of the horses pulling the building caused the wires to catch in the chimney and tore it down. The man was caught by the wires as they tore loose from the chimney and was swept off his feet. He made a grab for the wires, fortunately catching hold of two of the Great Northern telegraph wires as he was pulled from the building and left hanging 20 feet from the ground. The first shock caused him to turn a double somersault, but he retained his hold until a ladder could be secured. The ladder was too short and a sleigh was driven under him, which gave sufficient height for the ladder to reach his feet, enabling him to make his return to terra firma, after having been hung up over five minutes. He was none the worse for his experience and thankfully resumed work.