The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-07-03
Stories .5or the ,5ireside.
THE MAIN BRIDGE.

1t was past midnight--the lights on
the stone bridge which crosses the river
Msin at Frankfort were still burning,
though the footsteps of passengers had
died away for sone time on its pavement,
when a young man approached the
bridge from the town with hasty strides.
At the same time another man, advanced
in years, was coming towards him from
Sachsenhsusen, the well known suburb
on the opposite side Of the river. The
two had not yet met, when the latter
turned from his path and went toward
ne psrapet from the bridge into the
Msin.
The young man followed him quickly
and laid hold of him.
Sir" said be, 81 think you want to
drown yourself" u -...-
What is that to you ?" -aE
81 was only going TO ASK you to do
me the favor to wait few minutes and
allow me to join you. Let us draw close
20 each other and, srm-in.arm, take the
leap together. The idea of making the
Journey with perfect stranger, who has
CHANGED to come for the same purpose,
is really rather interesting. For many
years have not made request to any
human being do not refuse me this one,
,,,,,a& he loot -
The young man held out his hsnd.
His companion took it. He continued,
with enthusiasm: {" So be it; srm,inr
arm. do not ask who you are, good or
bsd-come, let US drown"
The elder of the two, who had at first
been in SO great hurry to end his ex-
istence, now restrained the impetuosity
Of the younger. a.e-
Stop, sir" said he, while his weary
eve. tried to examine the features OF his
companion. Stop, sir. You seem to
ne to be TOO young to leave life in this
way; for man of your yesrs life must
have still bright prospects "
Bright prospects lin the midst of
rot.enness and decay, vice and corrup.
tionl Come, let us end it."
And so youngl Let me 60 alone,
snC do you remain here. Believe me,
there are many good and honest people
who could render life charming for you.
Seek them, and You are sure to find
then."
Well, if life presents itself to you in
hues 30 bright, am surprised you should
wish tolesve it." -.
Oh, am only poor old sickly man.
unable to earn anything, and who can
endure no longer that his only child, AZ
ancel of a daughter, should work day
sad night to maintain him. To allow
this longer must be tyrsnt, barhar
ial" .
Whist. sir p exclaimed the other
"you have an only daughter sacrificing
he-~elf for your sake 2"
And with what patience, Whist sweet
ness. and love, what perseverance,
see heT sinking under her toll and hel
dsprivS,ions, and not word OF com
plsint escapes her psllid lips. She works
anG stsrves, and still has word of lov'
for her father"
And you commit suicide Are you
mad %
"a Dare / murder that sngel? Th'
thought pierces my heart like dagger,
sid the old man, sobbing.
& Sir, you must have supper with me
I zee a tavern open yonder. Come. yoI
must tell me your history, and vii
1eH you mine. There is no occasion TO
Won to lesp into the river. 1 am ricl
man your daughter will no longer hsv
70 work, and you shall not stsrve."
The old man allowed himself TO b
dragged along by his companion. In
few minutes they we're seated at tsbl
in the tavern, with refreshments befor
them. and each examining curiously tn
features of the other.
Refreshed by the viands, the old ma
began thus;
any history is soon told. 1 was
mercantile man; but fortune never fay
roed me. 1 had no money myself, an
loved and married poor girl. l coul
never begin buGiness on my own sccOun
took situation as book keeper, whic
held until / became useless from ag
and younger men were preferred to m