20-01-2012, 09:10 AM
1
The Bell Ringer
After Quasimodo's death, the Bishop of the Cathedral of Notre Damesent word through the streets of Paris that a new bell ringer was
needed..
The Bishop decided that he would conduct the interviews personally
and went up into the belfry to begin the screening process.
After observing several applicants demonstrate their skills, he
had decided to call it a day. Just then, an armless man approached
him and announced that he was there to apply for the bell ringer's job.
The Bishop was incredulous.
'You have no arms !'
'No matter,' said the man. 'Observe !'
And he began striking the bells with his face, producing a
beautiful melody on the carillon. The Bishop listened in astonishment; convinced he had finally found a replacement for Quasimodo.
But suddenly, as he rushed forward to strike the bell, the armless
man tripped and plunged headlong out of the belfry window to his death
in the street below.
The stunned Bishop rushed down two hundred and ninety five church
steps, when he reached the street, a crowd had gathered around the
fallen figure, drawn by the beautiful music they had heard only moments
before..
As they silently parted to let the Bishop through, one of them
asked:
'Bishop, who was this man ?'.
'I don't know his name,' the Bishop sadly replied,
( scroll down )
' ................. BUT HIS FACE RINGS A BELL'
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