Long ago, there was a cathedral...

The old bell ringer had passed away and the bishop set out a sign announcing that the position was now open for new applicants. A few weeks go by without any bites, but one day a man comes in. The man had a hunched back and no arms, so the bishop was leary of his ability to perform the job, but the Lord teaches love and acceptance of all. He says to the man, "if you can climb into the tower and ring the bell, the position is yours."

Elated, the armless man runs up the tower stairs, bypassing the rope that one would normally use, but that he was unable to manipulate. At the top of the stairs, there was ladder to get into the belfry. Without hesitation, he climbs the ladder using his teeth, and beams as he looks upon the church's bell. He backs into the corner of the belfry, takes a deep breath, and runs at the bell full speed. He slams into the bell, it swings and tolls beautifully. The bishop kept his word and awarded the man the job.

Weeks go by, and all seems right with the world. The armless man enjoys his new life, but sometimes, he gets a little dizzy tolling the higher hours. One day, while performing his duty to mark noon, he misses the bell altogether and sails out the far side of the tower. He falls to his death, and a crowd gathers around the body. In the general murmur, a voice calls out, "does anyone know this man?" Another replies...

"No, but his face sure rings a bell!"

With a heavy heart, the bishop places out the sign once more, advertising the open position. Again, weeks pass without a single taker, until another man arrives. His resemblance to the previous man is uncanny. A hunched back, no arms, and nearly identical in appearance. The bishop is dubious, fearful of a repeat of the recent tragedy, but the man falls to his knees, weeping and pleading, and against his better judgement, the bishop makes him the same offer. The hunchback climbs into the belfry, backs into the corner, runs and tolls the bell, claiming the job.

To ensure the new ringer's safety, the bishop commissions the installation of bars across the open sides of the tower, and life continues on. Over the next few years, the hunchback enjoys his life within the cathedral. He is well cared for, and happy to perform his duty, though the midday ringings do tend to take their toll, and like his predecessor, he misses once in a while, but the bars give him security. Unfortunately, the bars are not maintained, they rust, and at last, they give. The armless man tumbles out of the tower and falls to his death. Once more, a crowd gathers, and again, someone calls out, "does anyone know this man?" And a voice replies...

"No, but he sure is a dead ringer for his brother!"