The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1871-01-08
"A STEP STAYED.

S.s was past mldnight-the lights on the
sneehe bridge which crosses the river Main al
E5Ankfort W ere still burning, though the foot
e!eps of passengers had died away for some
tine On Its pavement-when a young man an
ecned the bridge from tho town with hasty
yldes. AT the same time, another man, ai-
enced in Years, was coming towards him
49, oachsennausen, the well-known suburb
H3pe opposite side of the river. The two had
Tet met, ARhen the latter turned from his
&<e, and went towards the parapet with the
yent intention of leaping from the bridge
1ntc the Main.
2$Re young man followed him quickly and
said he, az think you want to drown
3ou think rigbh sir; but what is that to
M s7s,aksa.- ssassss,y,gsipg to ask
allow me to join III. Let us draw close to
&h other, and, arin-in-arm, take the leap to-
ther. The idea of making the journey with
~ the same purpose, is really interesting.
iced, have. not experienced anything SO
waiting for some time and should not have
that in my last hour SO pleasant an
naFy years have not made a request to any
lusnan being; do not refuse this one, which
aust be my last. assure you, do not re-
eember 3 having evens:spent SO many words
sS&saying the young MON held out his hand.
took it, and he then continued,
nte ki*d of enthusiasm - So be it; arm-in-
+andsnow let us he quick about it. 1t is
H9y charming to feel a human heart near me |
tAese Last moments. i do not ask what you |
fSs xoodepr bad--come, let us drown"
Atthis momept Arm step rapidly approach
z& Was heard, a'strong but gentle hand rested |
HHn ehesshoulder of the young speaker, whilst
s34d but repfoachful accents the voice of
aef1ew conner asked: "Why, young man, why
a&*t the position in which God has placed
sart thou SO we'll prepared to render to
St |
hosart thouf
- Hs pass on" said both, hastily.
f. 4y,sre you pass" replied the priest. for
>cA &&s the sacred character of that individu-
i ESQ opportunely arrived, "let us know
g esscns which impel two men thus to dare
~ &lEfi ighty's wrath"
der of the two paused whilst the priest
ternal tone addressed the youngest.
eaid he, "my child, are surely too yonng
Reary of the world. Thy appearance
Shee AS one much favored. What fright
leads thee to fly from all the brighter
~ s that are before thee, not alone on ]
H1t in heaven"
#sht prospectsp replied the youth, in !
~ A2 Aontempt. "0f the heaven ypn speak I
y some doubts, and all that 1 have |
"a earth is corruption and deceit.
aid be, addressing his elder compan- I
MS make an end of this" t
Tests hand pressed more firmly on his 6
rs he said So young thy expert g
1Est have been among the vile when you e
&clude allin thy sweeping deuunciation." b
.. alder OF the trio pressed closer through y
Aye fer be too had been struck with the {
- appearance of his chance companion. II
Rcung man replied, "Serpents are no. G
sks compared with men. They are no il
tes-bearing iattery on their tongues, d
nd hatred, or envy in their hearts, or if
it is their nature, we expect it from n
n, have suffered much" said the old n
but it was my fate. Yet there is some W
in the world. 1t is not worth the h
for me to lie now, and can assure you II
hver deceived o fellow man in my life. hi
brtune seems to pursue me-" hi
~, my FRIEND" said the good priest, hi
b one who can speak comfort to your
you address him. There is no one
om His blessings have not fallen. If Z
fently feel and acknowledge these, we m
be little time to repine at the disap-
BITS He may permit to our desires in &C
atters. Surely You have something TO he
Full for.n
Is you say, sgood sit,l I have an only of
~ angel of aedaug ughteEs love her, and Ill
las nerved;ehB TO relieve her from tv
burden. FlRtnaa poor sickly old man, h,
hight andsdhy for my suppeft. She pc
wearing away her life in la9or, not dr
III procure necessaries, but even lhxuries bu
er health fails, yet she takes no rel W.
live she will die" sh
with me, my good friends, to my he
bid the good priest, " we will talk au
ese things" and these two men, once an
their purpose, readily yielded to bis he