San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1878-01-19

sleep that follows day OF labor, wheh
a sudden and terrible awakening came
upon them. The elements were raging,
their house shaking to its foundations,
and the crash of falling arches greeted
their ears. The trembling man sought
the roof of his house and discovered
that the bridge at either end had been
swept away, and he and his family were
prisoners in the midst of whirlpool
that every instant threatened destruc-
ton. He cried aloud for help, and his
voice was heard above the roar OF the
elements by crowd of Mortified gazers
on the rivers bank, but no one dared to
face destruction in going to his aid.
Count Rudolph rode up in haste, and in
his hand purse.
"Five hundred crowns to any one
who attempts their rescue" shouted he,
but no one moved, and destruction SEEM
ed inevitable. ...
A stir in the crowd announces new
arrival, and a man in coarse apparel,
with an Alpine staff in his hand, is seen
dividing the crowd right and left as they
impeded bis onward progress. To the
Count he,paid no attention whatever,
but at once made for the river, where q
small fishers boat lay upon the bank.
Without word he launched into the
boiling current, and was soon fighting
his way toward the central pier, upon
which the toll-keeper's house stood.
After desperate effort and many mar
row escapes he reached the place, and
the frightened keeper attempted at once
to step in, unmindful of the fate of his
wife and child. #pH /
"Keep back" shouted the man in
the boat, and giving it a turn, nearly
precipitated the toll-keeper in the boil
ing flood. 81 can take but one at a
time, and Aida must come first"
They then knew that their brave res
cuer was Paul Weimer. Knowing that
remonstrance was useless, the father
helped his daughter into the boat. As
it was showed off from the pier, the girl
exclaimed, "My mother! Will you not
save my mother?" -.
elf God spares me, 1 will return for
her," replied the deliverer, and then
bent all his energies to getting safely
back to land. 0a .u rqsj.u.
a This accomplished, he delivered Aida
into the hands of sympathizing women,
and second time attempted the dan
gerous passage. .I
Providence once more crowned his
efforts and he reached the pier in safety,
when the keeper, in whom all affection
seemed dead, tried at once to step into
the boat. ,..... ..... .., ..,.. '
"Your wife frst!" cried Paul, lifting
an oar, and half-tempted to strike the
cowardly wretch, who stepped back in
despair.
As the boat departed, the toll-keeper
feared that the young man would leave
him to his fate, and he knew he deserved
nothing better at his hands, so he cried
out in anguish, ..... ......-
elf you return for me, Paul, Aida
shall be yours with my blessing"
No answer was heard in return, and
the poor wretch feared his last chance
was gone. .... .
Once more the little ark, with its
precious human freight, approached the
shore, and Aida clasped her mother in
her arms. l...... ....E
thereafter l live only for you, PAUL."
exclaimed the grateful girl, as the youth
stood a moment to breath, before again
breasting the torrent. One kiss on her
fair cheek sealed the contract, and he
was off for the third time on his .errand
of mercy.
The poor keeper on the pier could
hardly believe his senses, as he saw Paul
return, and completely humbled, he 81
lently took his seat in the little boat.
They had not yet reached the shore,
when the pier on which the house had
stood, tottered and fell into the boiling
whirlpool but the frail boat proyiden-
tally reached land in safety, and the
father was restored to his wife and
daughter.
Prayers and thanks were poured out
upon the head of the brave deliverer.
Count Rudolph FASTENED to offer his
purse of gold, which was refused with
dignity.
"The hazard of my life can not be
purchased" he exclaimed; sand charity