After Quasimodo's death, the Bishop of the Cathedral of
Notre Dame sent 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 skill, 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!" But
the man responded, "No matter, 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 a bell, he tripped and
plunged headlong out of the belfry window to his death in the street below. The
stunned Bishop rushed to his side. When he reached the street, a crowd drawn by
the beautiful music they had heard only moments before, had gathered around the
fallen figure. And as they silently parted, to let the Bishop through, one of
them asked, "Bishop, who was this man?"
The Bishop sadly replied, "I don't know his name. BUT
HIS FACE RINGS A BELL."
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