Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-09-11
WEARY OF LIFE.
4 SKETCH FROM THE GERMAN.
BY MRS. FRANK SMITH.

Midnight was past. and the lights OF
the vessels lying atanchor in the stream
were beginning to be extinguished,
when two men hurried from different
directions toward the shore. The elder
of the two had already reached the
strand. and was preparing to make a
leap, the design of which was not 10
be mistaken; but at that instant tne
younger seized him by the arm' ex-
claiming:
"sir. believe you want to drown
yourseln'
"You have guessed it. WHAT'S that
TO you7" :,
This was the answer, spoken in the
most angry tone.
'.Nothing. 1 know. 1 would simply
request you to wait a couple of minutes
when, if you like, We will make the
great journey together. Arm in arm
the best way of dying"
With these words the younger extend
ed his hand to the elder, whose was not
withheld. The former continued, IN
tone of seeming enthusiasm:
$50 be it! Arm in arm! Truly
did not dream that human heart
would beat with mine in this last hour.
Twill not seek to know who you are
an honest man or villain-come, let
us begin the journey together?
The elder held the young man back,
and, fixing his dim, half-extingulshed
eyes searchingly upon the countenance
of bis companion, exclaimed:
"Hold! You seem to me too young
to end your life by suicide. A man OF
your years has still brilliant, alluring
future in his grasp"
"Brilliant!" answered the young
man, scornfully. "What have I to
hope in the midst of a world full Of
wickedness, falsehood, treachery and
unhappiness? Come, quick!"
"You are still young! You must
have had very sorrowful experiences
to make life already thus insupportable
to youl''
al despise mankindl"
"Without exception9"
"Without exception
swell, then, you have now, per-
haps, found man whom you will not
necessarily, despise. l have, believe
me, during my whole life, lived an
honorable man."
"Realiy2 That's highly interesting?
It's pity ] had not earlier made your
acquaintance
"Leave me to die alone young mani
live onl Believe me, time heals all
wounds, and there are much OF honor
yet to be found"
sNow, if you take this view, why
are you hurrying so fast to say Yale
to the world2"
"Oh, am an old, sickly man, unable
to make livelihood; a man who can
not, will not, longer see his only child.
his daughter, blighten her youth, and
laboring day and night to support him;
No, l would be barbarous, if l lived
on thus!"
"How, sir, you have a daughter
who does this for you9" asked the
young man. surprised.
"And with what endurance, with
what love, does she sacrifice herself
for me2 She works for me, she goes
hungry for me, and has only the ten
derest words of love-a sweet smile for
me always9"
"Aud you want to commit suicide!
Are you mad9"
"Shall 1 murder my daughter? The
life which she is now leading is her GER
tain death" answered the old man in a
despairing voice.
"Good sir, come, 60 with me to the
nearest inn that is still open, and let us
drink a bottle of wine together. You
will relate to me your history, and, il
YOU like, 1 will let you hear mine. So
much, however, will l say to you be-
fore hand. Chase all thoughts of sell
murder out of your head. l am rich
and if things be as you say, from
henceforth you and your daughter shall
lead pleasant life."
The old man followed the younger
without opposition. A few minutes la
ter over full glasses, the elder began:
"My history is soon told. was
merchants clerk, but always unlucky
AS had nothing by Inheritance. and
the young girl 1 married was poor,
was never able to commence business
on my own account, and remained OIL
to old age in dependent subordinate
position. Finally L was discharged oI
account of my years, and then begar
the struggle for subsistence. Ny wifi
died of trouble, and now my poo
child wearied to gain my support.
cannot bear to see her working hersel
TO death for me-therefore it is better,
go--now. you know all.
Friend exclaimed the young ma
"you are the most fortunate man eve
encountered in my life. 1t is insane
call that misfortune. Nobody is easie
to help than you. Tomorrow ] wi
make my will and you shall be--no re
sistancel-my heirl The coming nigh
is my last. Before this, however,
must see your daughter, out of pur
curiosity. / would for once see ho'
one looks who really deserves the nam
of womsnp"
ID -orro r,an what can IL h