Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-11-09
WEARY OF LIFE.
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN,

Midnight was past, aad tie lights Of the
vessels lying in the stream were beginning 70
isgxtiuguished, when two men hurried from
different directions towards the shore. The
elder Of the two had already reached the
strand. and was preparing to make the leap.
the design Of V hich was not to Toe ml>takeu /;
iut at that iuStaEt the younger seized MIN
by the arm, cXelalmlug:
Sir, ! believe you want to drown your
SELF"
You have guessed right. But what l.
that to you T.!
This was the answer spoken in the most
angry tone.
.-Nothiug, kn-u. I would simply re
quest you 20 wait couple of minutes when
i y1u like we will take the journey together.
Arm in arm Is the best way q dying
With these words the sunger eXteH3ed
his hand 30 che elder. wIKse hand was not
withheld. The former continued, III a tone
ui seeming enthusiasm
80 be it Arm in arm Truly / did
not dream that human heart beat with
rline IN this last hour. / viii not seek to
know who you are-lu honest man or VII
laiI. Come, let rs begin the journey to
-ugber,
The elder held the young man back, and
liking the dim, half eyunguished eyes upon
the countenance OF his companion, eXclaim-
ed
Hold! You seem too young to die. A
IN, OF your years has still brilliant, a!lH-
rng fortune in his grasp
Brilliant answered the young man
seg.utuiiy. Nv hat have | TO hope for In
the world full Of wickedne>$. falsehood,
trtache.y and JHhappinesq? Tome
You are still yoIng. lou must have had
very soTrowfnl experience 10 make life thus
Usupp0rtable to you.
Il de@Bise mankind
Without exception ~
Without exception,
We'll, then, perhaps you have found
man whom you will not necessarily desptae.
I have, believe me, during my whole life,
lived an honorable man.
Really That Is highly interesting 1t
is pity | did not make your acquaintance
earlier
Leave me to die alone, young man, you
live on. Believe me, time heals all wounds
md there are men OF honor yet to be found
in the world.
Now, if you take this view, why are
you hurrying 50 fast TO give your farewell 10
the world ?"
oh! [ am an old, sickly man, unable to
make livelihood a man who cannot, viii
not longer see his only child, has daughter,
bIighting her youth, and lab0ring day and
night to support him. No, would be an
uute ling father, / would be barbarous, II
lived on thus
How sir. have you daughter who does
this for you?' asked the young man, sur
pri>ed.
And with what endurance, without
murmur. does she sacrifice herself for me.
+.,-. !, bIln N
and has only the tenderest words Of love,
sweet smile for me always
And you want to commit suicide? Are
You mad?"
Shall murder my daughter? The life
which She is now leading is her certain
death. answered the poor old man IN des-
pair
Good sir, come 90 with me to the near
est ian that is still open, and let Us drink
bottle Of wine together You will relate to
me Your history, and if you like | will let
You know mine. So much, however, will
say to you beforehand Chase all thought Of
sell murder ont OF your head | am rich,
aud II things be as you say, from henceforth
you and your loving daughter shall lead a
pleasant life
The old man followed the younger with
SQt opposition 4 few minutes later, over
iall glasses, the elder began
, My history is soon told. was mer-
snaht clerk, but always uulucky. As had
4I9'hlng for inheritance, and the young girl
married was poor | was never able TO com
Mence business on my own account and SO
remained on to old age in a dependent, sub
oF5dlnate position. Finally, | was discharg-
j. On account OF my years, and then began
ne struggle for substance My wife died