When Blondin Was Afraid

One of Blondin's favorite jokes was to offer to carry sonie distinguished spectator across the rope with him on his back. Everybody naturally refused, and the great equilibrist, with a genial smile, would say, "I aiu sorry you are afraid I should drop you. " But he was hoist once with his own petard. He was exhibiting in Paris and was about to cross the Seine ou his rope. Cham, the great caricaturist, had come to make a sketch. Blondin, recognizing him, at once invited hún to cross with him. "With pleasure, " replied Cham, "but on one condition. " "And that is" - queried Blondin. "That I shall carry you on my back, " answered Cham. "Not if I know myself, " answered Blondin. "Ah," triumphantly exolaimed Cham, "this time, M. Blondin, it is