31/p/iy 18. A Long Climb In this area of Maine, there was a lot of farmland. Tony knew of an old abandoned windmill. There were steel bars, similar to a ladder, which started at the base of the windmill and extended to its top, at least sixty feet in height. Tony had climbed it many times, and wanted to show Alphy how to climb it. Tony climbed first and Alphy eagerly followed. Tony reached the top in a very short time, while Alphy ascended behind, moving more cautiously, and slowly. When Alphy had climbed over midway, he happened to look downward. To his horror, he felt his legs weaken, as he became sick with fright. He told Tony he couldn't continue, and that he wasn't sure if he could even come down. Tony told Alphy to stay put. He then reached for one of the 'blades' of the windmill, as it was turning. He latched onto it with both hands, his body suspended in the air, legs dangling. He hung onto the blade as it turned until the blade had made a semi-circle close to the ground, then Tony jumped and landed safely. He climbed to where Alphy was. He told Alphy not to look downward, then the two of them started the long descent downwards. Finally they reached the ground. Alphy let out a sigh of relief. He wouldn't try that again! 37