The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1878-03-27

the river, where a small fishers
boat lay upon the bank. Without
a word he launched into the boil,
ing current, and was soon fighting
; his way toward the central pier,
upon which the toll-keeper's house
stood. After a desperate effort
and many narrow escapes he
reached the place, and the fright
ened keeper attempted at once to
step in, unmindful of the fate OF
his wife and child.
keep back !' shouted the man
in the boat, and giving it turn,
nearly precipitated the toll-keeper
IN the boiling food. II can take
but one at a time, and Aida must
come first"
They then knew their brave
rescuer was Paul Weimer. Know
ing that remonstrance was useless,
the father helped bis daughter in
to the boat. AS it was showed off
from the pier, the girl exclaimed.
my mother! Will you not save
my mother ?"
"If God spares me, I will return
for her," replied, the dcliverer,
and then bent all his energies to
getting safely back to land.
This accomplished, he delivered
Aida into the hands Of sympa-
thizing women, and a second time
attempted the dangerous passage.
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 the young man
would leave him to his fate, and
he knew be deserved nothing bet.
ter at his hands, so he cried out in
anguish.
"If you return for me, Paul.
Aida shall be yours with my
blessing."
No answer was heard in return:
and the poor wretch feared bis
last chance was gone.
Once more the little ark, with
its precious human freight, ap'
preached the shore, and Aida
clasped her mother in her arms.
thereafter live only for you
PAUL." exclaimed the grateful girl
as the youth stood moment tc
breathe, 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 bis senses, as
be saw Paul return, and com
pletely humbled, he silently 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 providentially 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. CountRudolph FASTENED
to offer his purse of gold, which
was refused with dignity.
"The hazards Of my life canno
be purchased" he exclaimed; "ane
charity l do not need /; besides
am more than repaid for all my
efforts in thus gaining the desire
Of my heart"
The Count looked slightly en-
vious, but determined on gene
rosity, he bestowed his purse o
gold upon the poor toll-keepe:
whose all had been swallowed VI
in the tumult of waters.
| Soon afterward, Paul Weime
led his bride to the altar, and hi
old haunts knew him no more
the chamois had rest on tn
mountains, but he exhausted him
self upon the enemies of his vines
and it soon came to be known tha
in all the province there was no
a more fourishing vineyard thai
Paul Weimer's. So neither Aid
nor her parents had cause to re
gret the bestowal of her hand up
on her brave deliverer.