Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1877-05-30

alarming many of the inhabitants, as
we'll it might, for one must see a fresh
ct to understand its terrible import
ance. One must hear the crash ant
roar, behold the floating wrecks O
many dwelling often bearing
ching of life," and sometimes a hu
man life, as witnessed 4 few years
since on the SchnyFill.
The night was inky black, and Dor
John picked out the way faithfully
and steadily, never stumbling, but
with the bride hanging slack acros;
his neck, and his nose close to the
earth, his master had little fear fol
consequences. They were approach
ing Oriskany, where bridge spanneC
the Mohawk, and "Don John" whin
MED pite ,usly once or twice, till {
sharp word from his master warned
him not to show the white teather.--
On the other side he could just dis
tinguish, through the dense darkness.
moving and glimmering lights, and
once he fancled he heard shout but
he needed aught save getting housed
as soon as possible, and sleeping of
the tatigues consequent to his pro
fession. Nov, Don, step sure Old
Oriskany bridge, to my own and your
knowledge, has lost many a plank,
said the Doctor, pattiug bis beasts
neck and pushing the wet tangled
front lock from his eyes.
They were now ascending the little
emienence leading to the entrance
when the horse stopped. 'Go on
sir y said the Doctor, "you are nearly
home now y Still no attempt at 60.
ing on, and beneath them the angry
waters roared and beloved like angry
devils baked of their prey. "Dc
you hear me, sir ?" with a smart but'
tet on the neck, and a gathering Of the
loosened bride into the firm determin.
ed hand, and the animal started
slowly, steadily, Yrmly surely
though the broad back slightly shiv.
cred from time to time, and the gait
was so measured and methodical, that
at any other time he would have OBJ
served it. AS it was, he only let him
have his own way, though he may
have smoothed his neck, for he had a
kindly heart, and his poor beast had
labored through dreadful weather, and
was sadly in need of food and shelter.
Toward the end Of the bridge the
steps became slower, and once he
stumbled in the hind foot. a quick
grasp at the bride, and a CHEEKY, -
easy. John-easy, sirr' and again
the cautious hoot resounded on the
hard Sood. They were across, for
the animal neighed and tossed
his head till the Doctor shook
in his saddle. 'One more mile to 90,
poor fellow but first, l and you want
some refreshments. SO riding up to
the small tavern door, where a genial
light was shining from t!.y windows,
he called loudly for the landlord. A
dozen or more of the inmates came
rushing to the door with lanterns,
which they held alot, and "Good
God, Doctor, where did you come
from 2" broke from their lips almost
simultaneously.
"Came from =? Why, from over the
Mohawk ! What is the matter here ?
has the freshet carried away any of
your senses? Here, boy" as dis
mounting, he threw the rains to a
gaping fellow, "give John something
nice, and dry him off. Keep him well
wrapped up while he eats, and-land
lord--I want glass of red hot Jamai-
ca, quick"
doctor" said one of the group,
shave you crossed the Mohawk to-
night, and if so, how"
"Why, on the bridge are you all
drunk 2" said the exasperated physic
ian.
Doctor" said the old, gray-headed
landlord, ''that bridge went down the
Mohawk this afternoon Come Wltn
me, and will show you. If you cross
ed, God only knows how yon did it y
A shiver went to the Doctors heart
and, lantern in hand, he followed
the footsteps of the men to the margin
of the swollen and turbid river
Where was the bridge!
almighty God !" said the horror
struck Doctor, 'where is my graft
tude ? My noble beast came over
here this night, backed by me, on this
solitary string piece, and |, with this
right hand, lgave him a blow as he
toltnroJ ~ ,,l %Ln nootor ,,n1. ,,,, hi,