Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-08-14
from an English Paper.
HELL BRIDGE.

HELL BRIDGE.
lhere is a narrow pass between the noun
iains IN the neighborhood of Bendearo. in
the highlands of Scotland, which AZ G,tIe
distance has the appearance of an immense
artificial bridge thrown over n tremendous
chasnl; but on Il nearer approach it is seen
TO be a wall OF natures own masonry, form
ed OF vast and rugged bodies of solid rock.
pied on each other as fin the giant sport of
the architect. Its sides are in some places
covered with trees OF a considerable size:
ana inc passenger who has "a head steady
enough to look down the precipice. may see
the eyry of birds of prev beneath his feet
Inc path across Is so narrow, that il cannot
admit OF persons passing; and indeed none
but natives would attempt the dangerous
route, though II saves Il circuit of three miles.
ct II sometimes happens that two travel
iers meet, owing To the curve formed BY The
pass preventing a view across from either
Sidei ana when tins Is the case. one hes
down, while the other crawis over his nod
One day, Il Highlander walking along "a.
pass, when he had gained the hlghcst mar,
OF the arch, deserving another c0nino lei
surely up, and being himself Of the pa,ri-
c!an order, called 10 him to lie down. the
person, however, disregarded the onmsud
ana the IllShlanders met on the summit.
they were earn and Bendearg,o f two am
lies IN enmlty to each other. II was first ot
the top" said Bendelrg, ''and called out
FIRST; lie down, that | may pass over in peace"
when the Grant prostrates himself befnrc.
MTherSon,' answered the other, "it must be
with Il sword driven through his BODY
Turn back then" said Bendearp. sand 20
pass as you camc.' go back yolrselc {
YOU like IT," replied Grant; II will not be the
ilrSi OF my name To turn before M'Pberson ,
They then threw their bonnets over the
precrplcc, and advanced with a slow AMI
cautious pace closer to each other. they
were both unarmed. Stretching their limbs
IKE men preparing for Il desperate struggle.
they planted their feet firmly OH the ground,
compressed their lips, knit their eyebrows.
and hXIng iiercc and watchful eyes on each
other stood prepared for the onset. They
both %grappled at the same moment: but he.
lug OF equal strength, were unable for some
time to shit each others position-Stand;nr
fixed on the rock, with suppressed hreatL
and muscles strained to the ton of tbair
BENT Ike statues carved out OF the solid
stone. At length M'PhersoD, suddenly re-
moving luS right foot SO as to give him orcat-
or purchase. stopped his BODY aud bent HE
enemy down with him by main strength. ill
they both leaned over the precipicc. LOOKING
downward into the terrible abvss. The con-
test was us yet doubtful, for Grant had MIA
ccd MS foot firmly ON an elevation al the
brink, and had equal command of bis enc
my-but at this moment M'Phefson sunk
slowly and firmly on his knee, 81 while Grapt
suddenly started back, STOPPING To- t,ko
the supposed advantage, he whirled him
over his head into the culc-M'Pher-
son himself fell backwards. his bod
hanging partly over tic rock-a irarmeur
gave way beneath him, and no sunk
further; I'LL, catching with a desperate al.
tort at the solid stone above. he remained
ms footing. There was a pause of death.
like stiffness, and the bold heart of M'Phcr-
son felt sickcned and faint. Al lcngih. rs IL
compelled unwilIngly by some mysterious
feeling, he looked down over the precipicc.
Grant had caught with a death-like gripe bv
the rugged point Of n rock-his enemy was
almost in his rcachl His face was turned
upward, and there was On ii horror and ,les.
pdir-but he uttered NJ word or CTS. Tho
next moment he loosed his hold-nud hrs
brains were dashed out before che cyes IL
lis hereditary Toe; and tho mapelcd body
disappeared among the trees, aud IL last
heavy aud hollow sound arose from the bot
tom. MPhcrson returned home an altered
man. Tie purchased n commission in tho
army, and fei hTavely 10 the wars Of tne 70
.nlnSH'a. The Gaelic name nj tho place
wh"1e rus tragedy WA acted signifies Hell
Bridge.