The Lake County star., 1876-05-18
THEY TELL THEIR STORY.

Midnight was past, and the lights OF
the vessels lying at anchor in the stream
were beginning to be extinguished, when
two men hurried from different direc-
tions toward the shore. The elder of the
two had already reached the strand, and
was preparing to make leap, the design
of which was not be to mistaken; but at
that instant the younger seized him by
the arm, exclaiming,-
"Sir, l believe you want to drown
yourselfw
"You have guessed it. What is that
to your.
This was the answer, spoken in the most
angry tome
"Nothing, 1 know. 1 would simply
request you to wait 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 extended
his hand to the elder, whose was not with
held. The younger continued, in tone
of seeming enthusiasm,-
$50 be it! Arm in arm! Truly, l
did not dream that a human heart would
beat with mine in this last hour. will
not seek to know who you are-an
honest man or villain. Come, let
us begin the journey of life together %
The elder held the young man back,
and fixing his dim, halfextinguished eyes
searchingly upon the countenance of his
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 graspW
"Brilliantp p' answered the young man,
scornfully. "What have / to hope in the
midst of world full of wickedness, false
Come!-quickW W
"You are still young! You must
have had very sorrowful experiences
to make life already thus insupportable
to you."
Il despise mankind"
Without exception
Without exception"
"Well, then, you have now perhaps
found man whom you will not neces-
sarily despise. 1 have, believe me,
during my whole life, lived an honorable
man."
Really! That is highly interesting.
It's a pity I had not earlier made your
acquaintance"
"Leave me die alone, young man.
Live on. Believe me, time heals all
wounds, and there are men of honor yet
to be found"
"Now, if you take this view, why
are you hurrying so fast from the
world T'
"Oh, am an old, sickly man, unable
TO make livelihood a man who cannot
will not, longer zee his only child, his
daughter, blighting her youth, and
laboring day and night to support
him."
"How, sir have you a daughter who
does this for you" asked the young
man, surprised.
"And with what endurance, with what
love, does she sacrifice herself for me
She works for me, she goes hungry
for me, and has only the tenderest
words Of love-a sweet smile for me
always"
"And you want to commit suicide
Are you madf
"Shall / murder my daughter? Tht
life which she is now leading is her Ger
tain DEATH" answered the old man, in
despairing voice.
"Good, sir, come with me to the near
est inn that is still open. You will re
late to me your history, and, IL you like
/ will let you hear mine. So much, how
ever, will say to you beforehand chasf
all thoughts OF sef.murder out of your
head. / am rich, and, il things be
as you say, from henceforth you and
your daughter shall lead different and
joyous life."
The old man followed the younger
without opposition. A few minutes later
the elder began:-
"My history is soon told. / was q
merchants clerk, but always unlucky
As 1 had nothing by inheritance, and the
young girl l married was poor, wal
never able to commence business on my
own account, and remained 10 an old age
in a dependent, subordinate position
Finally was discharged on account o.
my years, and then began the struggle
for a subsistence. My wife died o.
trouble, and now my poor child Is wearied
to gain my support. l cannot beal
10 see her working herself TO death fol
me, therefore IL is better. Now you know
ALL"
Friend" exclaimed the young man
"you are the-most fortunate man eve
encountered in my life. II is insane Il
call that misfortune. Nobody Is easiel
to help than you. Tomorrow ! vii