The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1879-08-21
THE MAIN BRIDGE.

II was past midnight-the lights
on the stone bridge which crossed
the river Main at Frankfort were
still burning. though the footsteps ol
passengers had died away for some
time on its pavement, when q young
man approached tue bridge FROM the
town with hasty strides. At the
same time another man, advanced in
years, was coming towards him from
Sschenhansen, the well known sup-
urb on the opposite sido of the river
The two had not yet. met, when the
latter turned from his path and weut
toward the parpet from the bridge
into Main.
The young man followed him
quickly and laid hold of him.
"Sir,' said he, 4 think you want
TO drown yourself.
"What is that to you
II was only going to ask you tc
do me the favor to wait o few min
utes and allow me 10 join you. Lei
us draw close to each other, and
arm in.arm, take the leap together.
The idea Of making the journey will
perfect stranger. who has chanced
10 come for the same purpose, is re-
ally rather interesting. For many
years have not made request to
any human being, do not refuse n,t
this one which must be my last
The young man held out his hand
His companion took it. lie coutin.
ued, with enthusiasm $50 be it
arm in arm. I do not ask who you
are, good or bad-come let NJ
drown rI
The elder OF the two, who had al
first been in so great hurry to eni
his existence, nowSDstrained tht
impetuosity of the y6U6ger.
"Stop, SIR said he, while his
weary eyes tried to examine the fea
lures Of his companion, Stop, sir
You seem to be too young to leave
life in this way for man of yonl
years life must still have bright
prospects,
bright prospects lin the midst
Of rottenness aud decay vice ant
corruption! Come let us end it,
"And so young! Let me 60 alon'
and you remain here. Believe me
there are many good and honest peo
pie who could render life charming
for you. Seek them, and you arr
sure to fnd them.'
"Well, il life presents itself to yor
in hues 20 bright. 1 am surprised
you should wish to leave it.
"Oh, I am only poor, old sickl,
man, unable to earn anything, anc
who can endure no longer that hi
only child, an angel Of daughter
should work day and night to main.
tain him. To allow this longer
must be . tyrant, q barbarian r
"What SIR exclaimed the other,
you have au only daughter sacrifc
ing herself for your sake :
"And with what patience, wha
sweetness and love, what persever
ance I I see her sinking under hol
deptivations, and not word of com
plant escapes her paid lips. Sh.
works and starves, and still has ,
word Of love for her father
"And you commit suicide! Arr
you madi =
Dare murder that angel ? Th,
thought pierces my heart like dag.
ger, said the old man, sobbing.
''Sir you must have supper with
me I ses Q tavern open yonder
Come you must tell me your history
and I will tell you mine. There Il
no occasion for you TO leap into
the river. I am Q rich man , You
daughter will no longer have to worl
and you shall not starve.'
The old man allowed himself Il
be dragged along by his companion
In few minutes they were seatet
at q table In the tavern, with refresh
ments before them, and each exami
ming eurioualy The features Of th'
other.
Rsissshsd BY tho visuds, Tho old
man began thus;
Ny misery q soon told. ! VA
. mercantile man but fortune nev
or favored mo. ] bad no mono,
myself, end loved and married |
poor girl ] could never begin busi
ness On my own account. l took
situation = book keeper: which
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