Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1865-08-17
Ghuits Mistellaug.
WEARY OF LIFE.
A sketched from the German
BY MRS. FRANK SMITH.

Midnight was past, and the lights OF the
vessel lying at anchor in the stream were
beginning to be extinguished, when two men
hurried from different directions to the
shore. The elder of the two had already
reached the strand, aud was preparing to
make leap, the design of which was not
to be mistaken; but at that instant the
younger seized him by the arm, and ex-
claimed:
''Sir, believe you want to drown your
"You have guessed it. What is that to
you?"
This was the answer, spoken in an angry
tone.
Nothing, know. l would simply ask
you to wait couple OF minutes-when, II
you like, we will make the great journey to-
gether. Almin arm-the best way OF dy.
ing" .,
With these words the younger extended
his hand to the elder, whose was not with.
held. The former continued, in tone OF
enthusiasm:
SO be it Arm in arm Truly / did not
believe that human heart would beat with
mine in this last hour. | will not seek to
know who you are--ati honest man or vii
lian--come, let US begin our journey togeth-
er"
The elder held the young man back, and,
fixing his dim, half extinguished eyes
searchingly upon the countenance OF his
COMPANION, exclaimed:
Hold! You seem too young to end your
life by suicide A man Of your years has
still brilliant and alluring future in his
"BrWiantl" answered the young man
P-n. ItNl,t hov I To hana N fhS
midst of world Of wickedness, falsehood,
treaehery and uuhappiness?, Come quick!
you are still young You must have
had very sorrowful experience to make life
already thus insupportable to you -
II despise mankind =,
"Without exception .. .....5.
"Without exception!"
"Well, then, you have now, perhaps
found man whom you will not necessarily
despise. | have, believe me, during m!
whole life, lived an honorable man."
''Really ? This is highly interesting. -
It's pity had net earlier made your ac
quaintance ,...
Leave me to die alone, young man
Live on. Believe me, time heals old wounds
and there are men of honor yet to b
found"
Now, if you take this view, why are yol
burrving SO fast to say Vale to the world?
"0h, I am an old sickly man, unable :
make livelihood; man who cannot, wi
not, longer see his only child, his daughter
blighting her youth and laboring day an
night to support him. No. would be a
unfeeling father, would be barbarous, II
lived on thus!" ,z.,.lt,,..,
How, sir, you have daughter who doe
[ tb;s for you2n asked the Young man, sui
{ land with what endurance, with wha
love, does she sacrifice herself for me Sh
works for me, she goes hungry tor me, an
HAS only the tenderest words OF love-
sweet smile for me always T.
And you want to commit suicide Al
you mad p ,o r.. T..
} which she is now leading is her .certal
DEATH answered the old man in despal
ing voice. t. ., !,
nearest IN that is still open, and let us drir
a bottle Of wine together. You will rea
to me your history, and, if you like l "
: let YOU hear mine. So much, however, "
I saw to YOU beforehand: Chase all though
of self murder out of your head. l am rio
% and if things be asyou say, from heneefort
you aud your daughter shall lead pleass
! life." ,,t...
out opposition A few minutes later, o'
full glasses, the elder began:
my history is soon tod. was M
chants clerk, but always unlucky. "A
had nothing by Inheritance, and the you
to girl married was poor, was never able
nd commence business on my own account, a
remained on till old age in, a depende
subordinate position. Finally, was 9
charged on account Of my years, and tt
began the struggle for q subsistence, :,
/ wife died Of trouble, and now my poor Gu
] wearisd to gain my support. Ilcannot b
to see her working herself to death for m,
therefore it is better l 60 you know al
"Friend,' exclaimed the young m
" "vou are the most fortunate man ever
countered in my life. 1t is insane to
e) that misfortune. Nobody Is easier to
es than ysu. Tomorrow | will make my,
,oS and you shall be-no resistance my b
RID The coming night is my last Before :
ice however, / must see your daughter, ou
pure curiosity. Iwsuidr for once see