Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1881-06-18
Weary OF Life.

Midnight was past and the lights of the
vessels lying at anchor in the stream were
beginning to be extingulshed, when two
men hurried from different directions to-
wards tie shore.
The older of the two had already reached
the strand, and was preparing to make a
leap, the design of which was not to be
mistaken; but at that instant the younger
one seized him by the arm exclsiming,
''Sir. believe you want to drown your
self :"
"You have guessed it, What is that to
you7'
This was the answer spoken in the most
angry tone.
Nothing, know. would simply re-
quest you to wait couple OF minutes
when, if you like, we will make the jour
uey together, arm in arm the best way
of dying"
With these words, the younger extend
ed his hand to the elder, whose was not
Withheld.
The younger continued in atone of seem
ing enthusiasm: $50 be it Arm in arm
Truly, did not dream teat human heart
would beat with mine in this last hour |
will not seek to know who you are-an
honest man or villain. Come ?---let us be-
gin the journey togetherl "
The elder man held the young man back,
and fixing his dim, half extinguished eyes
searchingly upon the countenance of his
companion, exclaimed:
''Hold! You seem to me to be too young
to end your life by suicide. A man of your
years has still a brilliant, alluriIg future
in his grasp"
What have to hope in the midst pf a
world that Is full of Ulckedness, falsehood,
treachery and unhappiness? Come !
quick!' ~
"You are still young. You must have
had very sorrowful experiences to make
life already thus irsupportable to you.
81 despise mankind
without exception 2'
"Wlthout exception"
well, then, you have now, perhaps.
| found man whom you will. necessarily
despise. l have, believe me during my
whole life, lived an honorable man.
Really that is highly interesting. It's
pity had hot earlier made your acquaint-
ance.'
Leave me to die alone, young man
| 1--we on. DcuCNc ulC, sllllC llCatS al
wounds. and there are men Of honor yet t1
be found"
Now, if you take this view. why are
you hurrying SO fast from the world ). sale
the young man.
'Oh, Pm an old sickly man, unable t
make livehood; man who cannot, vii
not see his only child, his daughter, blight
ing her youth and l.boring night and Ga,
TO support him.
Now, SIT, have you daughter who doe
this for you - asked the young man, sur
rrised
''And with what endurance, with wha
love, does she sacrifice herself for me. Sh
has always the tenderest words of love-
sweet smile for me-
And YOU want TO commit suicidef AT
you mad.'
shall | murder my daughter: The lif
winch she is now leading Is her certai
death, answered the old man, in despair
ing voice.
Good sir, come with me to the neares
Inn that is yet open, and let us drink bot
tie of wine together. You Will relate 10 N
your history, and, if you like, viii le
you hear mine. So much, however, will
say to you beforehand; chase all thought
Of self-murder out of your head, lam rich
and, if things be as you say, from hence
forth you aud your daughter shall lead
pleasant life.
The old man followed the younger viii
out opposition. A few minutes later, owe
full glasses, the elder began,
my history is soon told. was q mel
chants clerk, but always unlucky. As
had nothing by inheritance, and the youn
girl married was poor, was never ab!
10 commence business on my own account
and renamed 10 an old age in depen'
ent subordinate position. Finally. l vs.
discharged on account Of my years an
then began a struggle fer subsis'enc
Ny wife died of trouble, and now my po'
child is wearied to gain my support. Ca
. not bear TO see her working herself 10 dea
: for me therefore 1t Is better l 60. No
!. yol know all"
!. Friend" exclaimed the young ma
'.you are the mos, fortunate man ev