The Great Farini

Shane Peacock
Biographer, Novelist, Playwright, Journalist, Screenwriter
Author of The Great Farini - The High-Wire Life of William Hunt

The Lives of Farini Hunt - Freedom (Part Three)

Eventually Hunt decided to leave the Dan Rice Circus and head north to Hope Township for reconciliation with his parents. According to Peacock, “he apparently worked the farm” but “later claimed he took up residence in his native Lockport.” Where ever he was, in April, Blondin returned to Niagara and his high-wire. This stirred Farini Hunt into action! Here is what Peacock writes, “His pride bursting within him, he decided to act at any cost. Suddenly it didn’t matter that Blondin was the greatest rope-walker in the world and he was a ten-month beginner, or that no other professional would dare attempt this staggering feat. He wasn’t Bill Hunt any more, condemned and held down. Farini could do what he wanted to do: he would prove himself … finally. … He quit his job the same evening and announced his intention to walk the Niagara gorge on a high wire. His friends thought him insane and his fiancée vociferously agreed, prompting him to cut off their engagement and head for the Falls alone the very next day. There he asked hotel proprietors and railway people to sponsor his walks.” With Blondin now well established as the “Hero of Niagara”, Farini decided to publicly challenge Blondin. He placed a “public notice” in the July 26th issue of the Niagara Falls Gazette. It was now time to get to work!

NOTE: Mr. Peacock has written several books. His latest series is about "The Boy Sherlock Holmes" This is a wonderful look at the legendary Sherlock Holmes, in the beginning! To learn more about Shane and all of his works, please visit his website at www.shanepeacock.ca.
(To Be Continued)