Weekly Chillicothe crisis. (Chillicothe, Livingston Co., Mo.) 1878-19??, 1879-11-20
JHisrsnaeg
THE MAIN BRIDGE

stone bridge which crosses the River Main
at Frankfort were still burning, thougl
the footsteps of passengers had died away
for some time on its pavement, when
young man approached the bridge from
the town with hasty strides. At the SAINT
time another man, advanced in years, wa,
coming towards him from Sachenhausen
the well-known suburb on the opposite
side of the river. The two had not vet
met, when the latter turned from his path
and went toward the parapet from the
bridge into the Main.
The young man followed him quickly
and laid hold Of him.
Sir sald he, 81 think you want to
drown Yourself
What is that to you?'
81 was only going to ask you to do me
the favsr to wait u few minutes, and allow
me to join you. Letus draw close to each
other. and, arm in arm, take the leap to-
gether. The idea of making the journey
with a perfect stranger, who has chanCed
tOcome for the same purpose, is really
rather interesting. For many years |
have not made request Of any human
being; do not refuse me this one, which
must be my last. "
The young man held out his hand. His
companion took it. He continued, with
enthusiasm: $50 be it: arm in arm. [
do not ask who you are, good or bad
come, let US drown"
The elder OF the two, who had at first
been in so great u hurry to end his ex-
istence now restrained the impetuosity of
the younger.
"Stop, sir, said he, while his weary
eyes tried to examine the features of his
companion. "Stop, sir. You seem to me
to be too young to leave life in this way;
for a man Of your years life must have
still bright prospects"
Bright prospects! In the midst of
rottenness and decay, vice and corruption!
Come, let us end i'll"
Sand so young! Let me 20 alone, and
do You remain here. Believe me, there
are many good and honest people who
could render life charming to you. Seek
them. and You are sure to find them"
"Well, if life presents itself to you in
hues so bright, ! am surprised you should
wish to leave it.
"Oh, am only poor, old sickly man,
unable to earn anything, and who can en-.
dure no longer that his only child, an
angel of daughter, should work day and
night to maintain him. To allow this
longer | must be u tyrant, barbarian"
"What, sir!" exclaimed the other, "you
have an only daughter sacrificing herself
for your sakeP"
"And with what patience, what sweet
ness and love, what perseverance! | see
her sinking under her toll and her depri.
vations, and not word of complaint es-
capes her pallid lips. She works and
staryes, and still has word of love for
her father"
And you commit suicidel Are you
madp"
"Dare l murder that angel? The
thought pierced my heart like dagger"
said the old man, sobbing.
Sir, you must have supper with me;
| see tavern open yonder. Come You
must tell me your history, and will tell |
you mine. There is no occasion of your
leap into the river. | am a rich man;
your daughter will no longer have to work |
and shall not starve.'
The old man allowed himself to be |
dragged along by his companion, In |
few minutes they were seated at table |
in the tavern. with refreshments before |
them, AMI each examining curiously the
features of the other.
Refreshed by the vivands, 'the old man
began thus:
my history is soon told. was mer-
camille man; but fortune never favored
me. | had no money myself, and loved
and married poor gwl. could never
begin business on my own account | |
took situation as blo&-kceper which |
held until | became helpless from age,
and younger men were preferred to me.
Thus nv circumstances were ALWAYS cir.
but my domestic happiness
was complete. My wife, in angel OF love,
and iondness, was good and
pious, active ard affectionate; and my
daughter is true image OF her mother.
But age and illness have brought me to
the last extremity, and my conscience re.
volts against the idea of the best child
IN the world sacrificing her life for an
Did and useless fellow. cannot have
much longer to live, and / hope the Lord
will pardon me for cutting off few days
,r weeks from my life in order to preserve
hat of my dear Bertha"
You are fortunate man, my friend,"
Exclaimed the young man. "What you
,all misfortune is sheer nonsense, and
AN be cured Tomorrow | shall make
ny will, and you shall be the heir of my
possessions. and tomorrow night | shall
AXE the leap from the Main bridge alone.
But before leave this world must see
3ertha, for am anxious to look upon one
Who is worthy of the name Of human be-
ng."
"Sir, what can have made you so un-
lappy at this early ageP" said the old
nan. moved with commission.
~ am the only son Of one Of the richest
,ankers in Frankfort. My father died
i've years ago, and left me heir to m I'M
nense fortune. From that moment every
me that has come in contact with me has
,ndeavored TO deceive and defraud me- II!
vas child in innocence and con6ding.
Nv education had not been neglected, and
possessed my mothers loving. heart,