The Duffle Coat Trapeze

I spotted the heavy duffle coat hanging from the coat stand and immediately saw the ultimate high-altitude summit! Right across the front was a chunky braided jute loop fastened around a carved horn toggle. Naturally, I threw myself upward with wild abandon—scramble, leap, grab! But my clumsy knit foot caught straight into the dangling fringe of a woolen scarf! Wobble, clatter, spin! The wooden hanger swung sideways with a loud groan, sending a brass shoehorn clattering to the floorboards! Before I could plunge down, the thick rope loop cinched snugly under my arms like an expedition trapeze. Lofty, look! I didn't fall—I'm swinging right under the giant hood, surveying the whole hall!