Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-01-08

Sod grant it. The step you have taken,
may, n your opinion, be just, but let me as
sure you that others DO not think so. We do
not always see ourselves as others see US
Il have done nothing, Mr.. Worthiugton, TO
merit this--you are not only deceived, but i'm
pertinent, sit; aud cautiously avoid any ques-
rions that might lead to an explanation -
Il ask no explanations | hurredly replied;
and immediately took my departure in lq very
amiable mood, nor did | wish 10 humble myself
sufficiently to ask her any question that might,
as she had suggested, lead TO satisfactory ex-
plaDation. What.a victory pride had won
How perfect and complete had been It's ulti-
mate success on both sides!
| hurried from the door; turned my step
homewa.d again. Iustinetivey took the usu-
al course in returning TO the village, flor Lucy
lived nearly mile out of town. and walked
down The railway track, so busy with my
thoughts as to be utterly unconscious of any
thing and everything else. There was high
bridge that lay between me and the village.
just wide enough for the track, the mddle of
which was planked over for the convenience of
pedestrians. Outside the track it was imposs-
ble to walk.
One OF the planks was very thick and heavy,
and had been partly raised for some purpose,
ard left in that position. 10 enieavoring to
pass it, struck my foot againft it, stumbled,
and in recovering myself, forced one leg thro'
the aperture, and striking my other foot with
all the force required TO regain my equliibri-
um, replaced the plank in such manner as
not puly left my foot protruding through a Lar
row crack. bat promised to present difficulty
in removing the piauk.
] smiled to think how curiously had been
entrapped, and stopped down to remove the
plank aud free myself from so dangerous POI
situn. The task. was not so easly performed
as had imagined. The plank was wedeed in
IN sacl manner, 'hat no effort of nine could
remove it. strove with more than mortal
power, but it was in vain; nor could extri-
gate nav foot, which was acerated ami smart
my with the pain in its close confinement.
At first dia DOT consider the extent of my
peril, but soon began to perceive the danger
OF my situation: aud | shuddered with horror
to think that / shonld be obliged 10 remain
there, and be crushed 70 death BY the train
Il was u cold day IN, December, and yet the
beaded drops burst fEom every pore. A mo-
n,eht of phrensied deirium Succeeded, and
when rallied again. found myself sitting be-
ween the rails, my foot still prisoner, and no
prospect Of delivery,
Ilooked at my watch; it was half past three.
| At FIVE the down train would pass, or if that
shoCld be late, the express would 20 at halt
past Eve; and at half-past four it would &c
dark.
| 1t was possible, nay probable, that some one
would pass before it would be TOO late.
This way was pearer TIE village than tho
road, though always regarded as moro danger
uus on account OF the narrowuess of the bridge
from which there wocld be no possibility of es-
care. in case train SHOULD come in sight while
passing over it. Already one man had been
killed by endeavoring to cross at time When
| the train was duc. and should be the second
/ 10 perish there! How the thought tortured
lne; aud once again tugged ut the resisting
plank With ali my strength tried to with
draw my foot and leave the boot, but imp 3ss.
bic!
1t was four o'clock-ln half an hour il wouic
/ be dark-auother half hour aud death wouIc
be certain | shouted for aid,i but no habita
ton was within half mile and no answer wa
returned to NY cries. Again and again
Shrieked, while the despliring echoes reverber
ated iu the distance. as though they would noel
Ine in my misery,
With all the accumulated strength Of mad
ness, i wreached the plank. but could no
move it from its place. 1t could not be possi
bic that l should be obliged to sit there anc
be crushed to death, when human aid was s.
near. Had been IN some isolated forest, som
depth ot country, distant from town or cottage
my doom migLt have been more certain. One
again l shrieked with agopized fury; wildly
desperately, TIE sounds of my voice rung ou
on the chilling air, while nothing but the mock
lng echoes made reply.
The sun had set, and the darkness was gath
ering fast over the valley below. Already tn
last rcddeuing glow of sunshine WAS cleaning
on the tops of the trees. My Irrevocable des
tiny became every moment more aud more ap
parent. Hark My God, the train. No. no.
stretched forward and listened with breath
less eagerncss. There was not sound to brea
the silence: must have been deceived. Bu
list. A voice. voice. Thank God!
Help help, help.' cried, aud each tim
| shouted the word, seemed in despair, nerv
ed up to greater power of speech, and calliu
louder and louder each time. Did he rhear!-
There was no answel-all was still Oh, mer
cifu Heaven, was this last chance of life de
MED me!
sHalloo 4
The VOICE was distant, but oh, how my bloc
lcaped with joy at the sound!
i Again / called with all the strength of nj
lungs, and again was answered. 10 littl
while figure appeared advancing toward mt
but it was growing already SO dark could DC
recognize him. nor did care to; but when
cane close TO me, one glance showed me it WI
Arthur Wesley. Should let him pass by,
ask him to assist me' Would be do so1 A
he approached heasked-
SIS this you, Mr.. WorthiDgton? Bless IN
are you hurtp
sNo, thank you, am not much hurt, but 81