Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-03-13

lureu sucu result; but even then, when II
would have been natural to suppose him great
ly elated by his good fortune, he thought only
of his mother; and while his expressions Of
gratitude were poured in eloquent language
into the ear of his benefactor, there was a
mingling of thanks that she would be the reaper
of his unexampled kindness
Tomorrow who may boast of to morrow ?
The widow and her son parted from each
other with happiness bright in the perspective.
The storm of the preceding evening had been
succeeded by a morning of unusual mildness
the season, for it was the middle of January
and telling his mother he would not return to
dinner, but that she should see him early in
the evening, William bade her farewell.
1t was at the close of the day, that ira
veler went forth to view the picturesque and
beautiful falls of the Genessee He proceeded
slowly, gazing upon the surrounding country,
with the eye of a connoiseur; and had gained
the point at which the fall could be seen to the
greatest advantage, when his attention became
engrossed by an object of exceeding interest.
Near to the aqueduct was young man en-
ployed in endeayoring to collect some drift
wood He had stetched forth his arm to seize
a floating log, when, the place being slippery,
he lost his balance, and fell into the water. AT
first the stranger thought him justly punished
for his temerity, and felt inclined to smile at
what he deemed his fool-hardiness; but soon
other feelings predominated. The river was
very high, and the current, running strong,
soon brought the rash youth toward the rapids.
Who, oh! who may paint the anguished feel
ings of that hapless being, knowing himself
doomed to inevitable destruction On, on the
rapids drove him. There was not ray of hope
to cheer his dropping heart; but as the moment
of impending fate drew near, desperation gave
him strength to grapple with death-grasp !; on
the very top of the falls he stood bolt upright
upon his feet and giving one wild dreadful
shriek went over. Faint and dizzy, the traveller
had closedhis eyes to shut out the dreadful sight
He knew that the hapless being had seen him,
that the last agonizing appeal the unfortunate
youth had made for aid, was to him, and sick at
heart he returned to the hotel.
When the melancholy fact became spread
through the town, it was said to be a poor
youth who had been in the habit of nightly
carrying supply of drift wood to his mother
All spoke highly Of his devotion to her, and o.
his sbscquent good conduct. 1t was mentioned
that his prospects had improved, and many
conjectured that the force of habit, more thar
actual necessity had occasoned the fatal ca
tastrophe. Reader, the poor drowned youth wa!
the widows only son!
Not many days after, a coffin was sen slow
ly emerging from the widows now desolat
mansion. The body of the young man had beer
found many miles below the spot al which b,
perished. Not trace of his once pleasan
countenance was percepible; but his clothes
were identified by many There was one whC
would have recognized him under any circum
stances-the heart-broken mother. When al
shrunk and turned away in horror from view
ing the sight of his mutilated limbs, she cunl
to them, and wopt over the body in the mos
bitter agony. The earth-closed over his loved
remains. 1t was the WIDOWS LAST TRIAL.