The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1879-10-24
Select Story.
THE MAIN BRIDGE.

At was past midnight-the lights on the
stone bridge which Cross the river Main at
Frankfort were still burning, though 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 same time, an
other man, advanced in years, was coming
towards him from Sachenhausen, the we'll
known suburb on the opposite side of the
river. The two men had not yet 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 said he, 4 think you want to drown
yourself ...-.
What is that to you p
Il was only going to ask you to do me
favor, to wait few minutes and allow me to
join you. Let us draw--close to each other,
and, arm in arm, take theleap together. The
idea of making the journey with perfect
stranger who has chanced to come for the
same purpose, is really rather interesting
For many years Isshave not made request
of any human being do not refuse me this
one, which must be my last
The young man held out bis hand. His
companion took it. He continued with en-
thusiasm : 80 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 hurry to end his existence, now
restrained the impetuosity of the younger.
Stop, sir said he, while his weary eyes
tried to examine the features of his COM
panion. Stop, sir. You seem too young to
leave life in this way for man of your
years life must still have bright prospects,
Bright prospects lin the midst of rot
tenness and decay, vice and corruption.
Come, let us end it,
And so young Let me go alone, and do
you remain here. Believe me, there are
many good and honest people who could
render life charming tor you. Seek them
and you are sure to find them.'
We'll, 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, un-
able to earn anything, and can endure no
longer that his only child, An angel of a
daughter, should work day and night to
maintain him. To allow this longer must
be tyrant, a barbarian.
What, SIR exclaimed the other, you
have an only daughter sacrificing herself for
your sake p
And with what patience. what sweetness
and love, what perseverance | see her
sinking under her toll and her depriyatons,
and not word of complaint escapes her
lips. She works and starves, and still has a
word of love for her father
And you commit suicide Are you
mad p
Dare murder that angel ? The thought
pierces my heart like dagger, said the old
man, sobbing.
Sir, you must have supper with me
see a tavern open yonder! Come, you must
tell me your history, and l will tell you
mine. There is no occasion for you to leap
into the river, am rich man, and your
daughter will no longer have to work, and
you shall not starve.'
The old man allowed himself to be
dragged along by his companion. In few
minutes they were seated at a table in the
tavern, with refreshments before them, and
and each examining ouriously the features of
the other.
Refreshed by the viands, the old man be-
gan thus; ......
MY history is soon told. was a mercan-
tile IN an but fortune never favored me. |
had no money myself, and loved and mar
ried poor girl, could never begin bus-
ness on my own account. / took situation
as book keeper, which held until be-
came useless from age, and younger men