The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-05-18
Moreover the air

was bad and insufficient
At length however, they succeeded in en-
largng the cleft at the top. so they could put
in food, and now set about their slow task
with zeal. when after tweny-tour hours, an
other difficulty presented Itself. A spring
had been opened in the side of the passage and
the water was now trickling down into the
narrow space in which Franz stood. 1t was
already as high as his knees, and they said he
would be drowned before they could reach
him in this slow way. The danger WAS imi-
nent, and increasing every moment.
There was only one way of saving him.
said the chief. decidedly. We must blast the
rock. or Franz is lost. The rock MUST be
be blasted. 1t is possible that poor Franz
may be buried under the ruins. but better
quick death from a fragment of the rock than
lingering one by hunger, or the agony of
gradual drowning THAT alone can save him,
if Heaven has not decided otherwise.
A solemn pause followed these words
The workmen assented to the opinion of their
superior, but they felt 1t was cast for life and
death.-They called to Franz and proposed
the plan to him. He silent for a moment
then gave his assent with a courageous
voice.
The news of his situation soon reached the
village. The miller became very grave and
said not word. Anguish destroyed Mar
tha's usual composure-she wrung her hands
her eyes grew red and filled with tears.
but she did not weep.
Not long after the first news, one of the work
men came in haste 10 say that Franz had CON
sented that the rock should be blasted, bat
he first wished to prepare for the death
christian, and asked the services of Martha's
brother.
Martha heard this news with composure:
she now seemed resigned to every thing. She
walked quietly up and down the room for
some time, then suddenly left the house.
Her father followed her to the door to watch
her. She went to a crucihx bearing the i'm
age of Christ, which stood where two roads
met before this she knelt.
You have been PRAYING, said her father to
her, as he still stood at the door and met her
returning.
Yes said she, quietly, for Franz, for my
SELF and for you. That he may forgive
arrogance and our sins, and make US hap
The old man turned away to hide his
tears.
Come now said Martha, we must go to
the mine with my brother.
The old man assentcd, himself harnessed
the horses, and the three drove on in silence
till they reached the narrow foot path which
led to the mine. Here they alighted. Mar
tha remained with her father at he miners
inn, while the priest went directly to Franz
Here the workmen were collected through
curiosity or compassionate drill was already
made. and nothing remained but to apply the
match.
Good luck TO you called out the workmen,
as the priest approached, and reverently made
room for him. Then they drew back aud
left him alone with Franz, to whom he an
nounced his arrival, and received the coueS-
sion, which he made in humility. bu, with the
resolution Of man who looks death in the
face.
To absolve.' said the priest, after it was
finished. in nomine Hartis ct Feiiet Spiritus
Sancti, and then prayed with him
4 have yet one worldly office with YOU
said he; my father and Martha send YOU
greeting, but. he continued. Put away all
temporal thoughts, and fix your mind on
eternity. In a few moments all will be over.
Remember what ever comes, Heaven sends
it
The workmen now came forward and
entreated the priest to bless their works.
They knelt, repeated short prayer, and re-
ceived his blessing he withdrew
The workmen cast lots for the lucky hand
the choice fell on Martin.
times, and fell back. Martin lighted the match
and applied il. For moment there was the
fearful suspense. then came the explosion
The white smoke curled up and fragments of
the rock fell in all directions There was
dead silence which no one ventured to break
He gives no sign of life said Address, a.
length. He is dead, he is dead" repeated one
after auother.-Thev took their mining lamps
aud approached. The blast had done its
work-the rock was split from top TO bottom,
and large fragments were torn off and piled
up in the greatest confusion. Are YOU living,
Frantz? called out Address, but no answer
came. He IS dead" said the men again.
They now took great hooks to drag away the
pieces of stone; when the uppermost were
removed, one of them climbed up and held his
lamp at the opening. What scene present
ed itself, Frantz lay on bis knees. his head
resting against the rock, bis face colorless and
giving no sign of life. The water had reach
ed his breast. being on his knees, and large
fragment of the rock had fallen Just a. his
feet, covering him with the drops ii had dash
ed up.
The men raised him, felt his pulse. and
We're convinced that be still lived Frantz.
risen as it were from tile grave soon recovered
far tha. he could be carried by his eornpaR-
ions to neighboring house. The miller and
Martha We're awaiting the event with trenb-
ling suspense. One OF the men fastened for
ward 70 give them the joyful intelligence Tie
old man wept like a child; he took his daughter
to side and said: Martha, if you are still
Of the same mind. l give my consent: this is a
sign from heaven | have betrothed myself
said Martha. quietly When l knell before
the cross l vowed 10 belong TO Franz alone.
or 10 enter the convent where my good aunt
Catherine took the veil
Al this moment the door opened and Franz
appeared he blashed as his eyes fell on Mar
tha, whose presence he had no, known. and