The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-02-16
They Tell Their Story.

Midnight was past, and the lights of
the vessels lying at anchor inHhe stream
were beginning to be extinguished, when
two men hurried from different direc-
tons towards the shore. The elder of
the two had already reached the strand
and 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, exclaiming: "Sr, I
believe you want to drown yourself !"
"You have guessed it. What is that
to youa"
This was the answer, spoken in the
most angry tone.
"Nothing, I know. I would simply
request you to wait a 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 extend
ed his hand to the elder, whose was not
withheld. The younger continued, in a
tone of seeming enthusiasm: " So be it |!
Arm in arm Truly, did not dream
that a human heart would beat with
mine in this last hour. I will not seek
to know who you are-ap honest mar or
villain. Come let US begin the
Journey together"
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 to me too young to end your
life by suicide. A man of your years
has still brilliant, allaring future in
his grasp |"
"Brilliant!" answered the young
man, scornfully. r" What have / to
hope in the midst of q world full of
wickedness, falsehood, treachery and
,unhappiness2 Come !-quick |"
"You are still young! You must
have had very sorrowful experiences to
make life already thus insupportable to
you"
"I despise mankind"
Without exception9 2"
"Without exception ?"
"Well, then, you have now perhaps
found man whom you will notnecessarily
despise. I have, believe me, during my
whole life, lived an honorable man."
"Really! That is highly interesting.
It's pity I had not earlier made your
acquaintance.
"Leave me to die alone, young man:
Live on. Believe me. time heals al
wounds, and there are men of honor yet
to be found"
o"Now, if you take this view, why al
you hurrying so fast from the world?"
"Oh, ana an old, sickly man, unable
to make livelihood a mau who can
not, will not, longer see his only child
his daughter, blighting her youth, anc
laboring day and night to support him.
"How, sir. have you daughter who
does this for yous" asked the young
man, surprised.
"And with what endurance, will
what love, does she sacrifice herself fol
mel She works for me, she goes hun
cry for me, and has only the tenderes
words of love-a sweet smile for MI
always"
"And you want to commit suicide
Are you mad 2"
"Shall I murder my daughter Th'
life which she is now leading is her Ger
tain DEATH" answered the old man, In
despairipg voice.
"Good sir, come with me to the near
est inn that is still open. You will re
late to me your history, and, if you like
I will let you hear mine. So much
however, will say to you beforehand
chase all thoughts of self-murder out o
your head. lam rich, and, if things b
as you say, from henceforth you ant
your daughter shall leada pleasant life.
The old man followed the younge
without opposition. A few minute
later the elder began:
"My history is soon told. was
merchants clerk, but always unlucky
AS had nothing by inheritance and tn
young girl married was poor, I wa
never able to commence business on m.
own account, and remained on to an oil
age in a dependent, subordinate posi-
tion. Finally, I was discharged on &C
count of my years, and then began tn
struggle for a subsistence. My wife die
of trouble, and now my poor child
wearied to gain my support. l canno
bear to see her working herself to deaf
for therefore, it is better &c
Now, you know all:
Friend" exclaimed the young man
"you are the most fortunate man eve
encountered in my life. It is insane t
call that misfortune. Nobody is easie
to help than you. Tomorrow I Wi
make my will, and you shall be-no re
sistance my heir. The coming nigh
is my last. Before this, however, I mus
see your daughter, out of pure curiosity
would for once see how one looks wh
really deserves the name of woman |"
"But, young man, what can it be tha
thus early has made ypu so unhappy ?