The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1871-11-08
TWO UNFORTUNATES.

1t was past midnight. The lanterns on
Backfriar's bridge snone dimly on the few
pedestrians who were still oat of doors at
this unreasonable time. \ Young man was
coming hurriedly from the city, while from
the opposite side an old man was stealing
along. They had not yet met, when the
latter turned, and walking to the parapet
of the bridge. made unmstakable prepara-
tiOns to precipitate himself into the Thames
The young man who had followed him
drew him back.
II think, sir, you wish to drown your
self"
'.You think right, sir; but what business
is that of yOurs!''
'NOne in the least, sir :; but | only wished
to ask OF you the favor to postpone your
purpose lew moments and allow me to
join you. Let us embrace each other close
ly, and make an airy leap together. The
idea Of undertaking this expedition in the
company of perfect stranger, who has
come here with the same purpose aS my
self, appeared so pquant TO me that |
could not help asking you to allow Inc to
join you. Really, sir, nothing has seemed
so delightful to me for a long time; and
should never have believed that anything
so agreeable could have happened to me in
my dying hour. Do accept, sir. | ave
not asked favor for years of anybody. So
please do not refuse my last and only r,.-
quest. | also do not recOllect OF ever
having made such long speech Us this
one"
With these words he offered his hard to
the old man, who did not hesitate 10 clasp
it, and the young man continued with ell
thusiasm
"Let us clasp each other closely, arn-in-
arm and then forward. 1t does me good to
fnu thn Inn,
man being-l do not ask whether you are
villain or not. Come"
The other, who had been at first in such
haste to make the acquaintance of the cold
water of the Thames, hesitated now, and
restrained the impetuosity of his young
companion Ivy holding his hand and draw
ing him back.
"HOld sir" said he, while he tried to dis
tinguish the features OF the young man Op-
posite him by the dim, midnight light.
You are still very young, and air, ady
wish to renounce life. am AFRAID you are
too rash. For a man of your age a life
must still have joys and pleasures
''NOthipg but deceit and falsehOod, sell
fishness and cOnceit, vice and crime. Come
let us end this"
"YOung as you are: you seem to have
already had sad experiences, and appear to
regard all creatures bearing the form OF
man as vipers."
"Vipers are noble beings compared with
men for they only follow their natural in
stincts; they are no hypOcrites with virtue
on their tongues and vice in their hearts,"
81 pity you, for, believe me, there are
many honorable exceptions to the rule
you have established"
.'Ha, ha! Exceptions laughed the
young man, sneering and bitterly, ~ have
found none"
"Then L can give you at least the poor
consolation that in this solemn hour you
have found one. Much as men are given to
living, there are very few who will do so in
their dying hour, when they are about to
enter the my sterious Eternity. have never
lied during my life, and would, under no
circumstances, enter the Valley of Death
with lie upon my lips. You will believe
me, then, when tell you that | am no VII