The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-06-21
Weary of Life.

Midnight was past, and the lights of the
vessels lying at anchor in the stream were
beginning to be extingulshcd, when two
men hurried from different directions to-
wards the shore.
The older of the twohad 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
me seized him by the arm cXcloiming,
''Sir. believe you want to drown your
self"
"You have guessed it. What Is that to
you2"
This was the answer spoken in the most
angry tone.
''Nothing, l know. I would simply re-
quest you to wait a couple of minuLcs-
when, if you like, we will make the jour-
ncy 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 a tone of SEEM
ing enthusiasm: $50 be it | Arm in arm!
Truly, did not dream that human heart
would beat with mine in this last hour. l
will not seek to know who you are-an
gin the journey togethcrl"
The elder man held the young man back
mp fixing his dim, dim half extipguisAed eyes
!archipgly upon the countenance of his
companion, exclaimed:
"IIOld You seem to me to be too young
TO end your life by suicide. A man of your
years has still a brilliant, alluring future
in his grasp"
"What have | to hope in the midst of a
world that ls full of wlckcdnuss, falsehood,
treachery and unhappincss9 Come -
quickl"
"You are still young. You must have
had very sorrowful experiences to make
life already thus ipsuppWlable to you."
81 dtspise mankind"
''Wthout exception2"
"Wthout exception"
well, then, you have now, perhaps,
found man whom you will, necessarily
dcspisc. l have, believe me during my
whole life, lived an honorable man,"
''Kcally that is highly interesting. It's
pity had hot earlier made your acquaint-
ancc."
'Lcavc me to die alone, young man.
Live Oh. Believe nc, time heals all
wounds, and there are men Of honor vet TO
be found"
L
you hurrying so fast from the world |" said
the young man.
"Oh, Pm all old sickly man, unable to
make livelihood; man who cannot, will
not see his only child, his daughter, blight
ing her youth and laboring night and day
TO support him."
Now, Sir, have you a daughter who does
this for you ?" asked the young man, sur
priscd
''And with what endurance, with what
love, does she sacrifice herself for me ! She
has always the tendcrest words of lovc--a
sweet smile for me-"
And you want to commit suicide9 are
you madl"
''Shall l murder my daughter2 The life
which she is now leading ls her certain
death, answered the old man, in despair
ing voice.
'Good sir, come with me to the nearest
Inn that is yet open, and let lis drink a bot
tie of wine together. You will relate to me
your history, and, if you like, will let
you hear mine. So much, however, will
say to you beforehand chase all thoughts
of sclf-murder out of your head, am rich,
and If things be rs you say, from hence
forth you and your daughter shall lead q
pleasant life."
The old man followed the younger with
out opposition. A few minutes later, over
full glasses, the elder began;
"My history is soon told. | was q mcr.
chants clerk, but always unlucky. AS
had nothing by Inheritance, and the young
girl married was poor, l was never able
to commence business on my own account,
and remained to an old age in depend
ent subordinate position. Finally, I was
discharged on account of my years, and
then began struggle for o subsistence.
My vile died of trouble, and now my poor
child is wearied to gain my support. can
not bear to scc her working herself to death
for me therefore 1t ID better I go. Now
yol know ALL"
"Friend," exclaimed the young man,
"you are the most fortunate man ] ever
encountered IN my life. 1t is insane to
call that misfortune. Nobody Is easier to
help than you. TO morrow l will make
my will, and you shall be- no rcsistanccl
my heir. The coming night ismy last. Be.
fore this, however, must sec your daugh,
ter, out of pure curiosity. wouldfof once
see how one looks who really deserves the
name Of woman"
'But, young man, what can 1t be that
thus carly has n,ado you 80 unhappy 2'
questioned the elder, much moved. -
'l believe It was the wealth which my
father left me. / was tho only son of the
richest banker Of this city. My falher died