To grease the beam I’d have to climb out on it, there was no other way. I have always been afraid of heights, always. It’s why even with Coach Hunt and an army of sixth graders egging me on I could never climb to the top of the rope in Phys Ed or get enthusiastic about tree forts. Now, though, I was sufficiently motivated.
With the jar of petroleum jelly I returned to the balcony railing and stood contemplating my next move. From there I could reach the beam, but only eight or so feet of it; from that point the stairs went down, while the beam stayed where it was. To get to it I’d have to put a ladder on the stairs — a tricky business. Even then to reach the beam I’d have to lean too far over.
I was about to abandon the whole plan when I realized if I stood on the stair railing I could e
