He swung a little towards the side of the house, pushed himself vigorously away from it with his feet, and at the farthest point of the outward swing, jumped.

His hands gripped the telegraph wires safely.

Even in that tense moment he heard a little sob of relief from the people below.
Hand over hand he made his way to the nearest pole and slipped easily to the ground.

The crowd immediately surged around him.

Some one forced a drink into his hand.