The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1856-11-27
LEAP FROM THE MAIN BRUCkE.

stone.bridge which crosses the river MAR
at Frankfort were still burning, though tn,
footsteps -.ssengers had died away fc,
some time on its pavement--when young
man approached the bridge from the towI
with hasty strides. At the same time, ano
ther man, advanced in years, was coming
towards him from Sachsenhausen, the we'll
known suburb on the opposite side Of the
river. The two had not yet met, when the
latter TUNED from his path, aud went to.
wards the parapet, with evident intention
OF leaping from the bridge into the Main.
The young man followed him quickly,
and laid hold of him.
"Sir," said he, "I think you want to
drown yourself"
"You think right, sir; but what is that
youl"
"Nothing at all. was only going TO
ask you to do me the favor to wait few
minutes, and allow me to join you. Let
US draw close to each other, and, arm-in-
arm, take the leap together. The idea Of
making the Journey with perfect stranger,
| who has chanced TO come for the same pur-
pose, is really rather interesting. Indeed,
have not experienced anything SO excl
ting for some time; and should not have
thought that, in my last hour, so pleasant
an occurrence would happen. Come, sir;
for many years have not made request
to any human being: do not refuse me in
this one, which must be my last. assure
you. do not remember having ever spent
SO many words about any request what
ever"
So saying, the young man held out his
hand. His companion took it, aud he
then continued, with kind Of enthusiasm:
''So be it; arm-in-arm-and now let us be
quick about it. 1t is really charming to
fael human heart near me in these last
moments. do not ask what you are,
good or bad-come, let us drown"
The elder OF the two, who had at first
been in so great hurry TO end his exist.
ence in the waters Of the river, now re-
strained the impetuosity of the younger.
"Stop, sir" said he, while his weary eye
tried 10 examine,the features Of his com
panion as well as the fiickering light of the
nearest lamp would allow hm-"Stop, sir.
You seem to be too young to leave life in
this way. l am afraid you are committing
rash act; for man Of your years, life
must still have bright prospects"
alright prospects!-in the midst of rot
.enness aud decay, falsehood and deceit,
vice and corruption! Come, let us make
an end Of it,"
"And SO young. Your experience must
have been very sad to make you consider
all creatures which have the human form
brood OF serpents."
'-Oh, serpents are noble beings compared
with men; they follow the impulse, of their
nature; they are no bypocrites, bearing
virtue on their lips and vice in their hearts"
II pity you from my heart; but there
certa' y are many exceptions to this mis-
e. sIe rule"
Il have found none," said the young
man.
"Then it may be consolation, though
poor one, that you have found cae in this
solemn hour. However much men are
given TO faschood, there are very few vino
lie in the hour of death, within sight Of
eternity. But for me, have never told a
falsehood in my life, and | would not for
anything in the world enter upon the dark
road with lie upon my lips; and, there.
fore, when | tell you that am not a vii
lain, as you seem to think me, but an hon
est and upright man, am telling you the
simple, unvarnished truth"
"Indeed!-that is interesting. And 20 /
must meet the only honest man ever saw
in the world when | am on the point of
leaving it, and in his own compauyw
"Let me go alone, and do you remain
here. Believe me, there are many good
and honest people who could render life
charming for you. Seek them, and you
are sure to find them"
"Well, the first one have found already.
But if life presents itself to you in hues so
bright, am surprised you should wish to
leave it,"
"Oh, am only poor sickly man, una
BILE to earn anything, and who can endure
no longer that his OILY child, an angel of
daughter, should work day and night to
maintain him, and even sometimes to pro.
cure him luxuries. No, sir, to allow this
longer, must be tyrant, barbarian"
"What, sir!" exclaimed the other, almost
terrified, "you have an only daughter sacr.
feiag herself for your sshkeii
"And with what patience, what sweet
ness, what love, what perseverance, | see
her sinking under her toll and her depriva-
tions, and not word of complaint escapes
from her pallid lips. She works and
starves, and still has always word of love,
an affectionate smile for her father"
"sir, and you want TO commit suicide!
Are you madi"
"Dare ! murder that angell Tho thought
p,erces my heart like dagger" said The
old man, sobbipg.
"Sir, you must have bottle Of wine with
me: see tavern open yonder. Come,
you must tell me your history; and, if you
have no objection, l will then tell you
mine. But this much may say at once
there is no occasion for you to leap into
the river. l am rich, very rich man;
and if things really are as you represent,
your daughter will no longer have to work,
end you shall not starve."
The old man allowed himself to be drag.