The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-12-23
TUE PRESS.
Baffled by a Bridge Tender.

Mufdb ndiStcdN III OhASo8V AAAoh~S1
Night in great city. The wind surged and
moaned with a mournfnl cadence through the
leafiess trees that stood like gaunt spectres of
the night, ever and anon bending low their
withered trunks and great black branches as if
in mute appeal TO the storm-king to not pros
trate them forever with his cold, merciless
breath. Signs were blowing violently through
the air or ffattened by the force of the gale
against the sides of buildings. where they were
held fast by the ever-increasing violence of the
battlin g elements. A mass OF inky-black cloud
o'er-spread the entire horizon, while the foam
crested waves of an angry lake beat with
hoarse sullen roar against sandy beach,
whicA, after every attack of the angry sea
god, looked more whitely-pure than the breast
of maiden.
Adown street where cleaned the bright
lights of wine-bibbers' haunts and the baleful
glare of the oyster-saloon fell upon the side
walk, young man strobe with quick nervous
step and wistful haunting look in his eye.
At a corner where the crowd of eager, jostling
pedestrians was thickest he paused and looked
anxiously around. The soft, low tinkle of o
beil-was heard, and a curious-lookiRg monster
with great green eye came slowly into view.
a
Young man stepped briskly forward, saying
softly to himself: "My heart has not deceived
me- | am in time.
Adelbert Qnirk had caught the semi-weekly
car or Van R"ren street.
In the elegantly furnished parlor of hand
some residence tall and radiantly beautiful
girl sat silently in front OF CRATE fire, the
flames from which leaped lightly up the Chin
ney and cast ruddy glow on all that came
4 ,air 10 han haaroa
opatra Mcclure was the only daughter of a
father who fairly idoized the proud beauty
who presided over his household with such
stately grace-his wife having fallen into a
wash-tub and been drowned within two years
of their marriage.
(Which shall | cboose?' said the girl in soft,
mellow tones. "Shall it be the strong limbed
Rupert with his proud Saxon pedigree. or
Adelbert, who would deck his bride in jewels?
My heart tells me that with Rupert ever by my
side life would seem like a pleasant dream,
even though my lot were a horrible one. L
love him with a wild, passionate devotion that
time can never change, and his kisses fall on
nv waiting lips as falls the dew from heaven
on the rosebuds Of early spring. But Adelbert
is rich and powerful. As his wife should shine
iu society. Oh mel Which shall it be?''-and
with these words the pampered pet of fortune
silently irritated a shapely ankle with her right
foot, and remained for some moments buried in
deep meditation.
Suddenly rising from the fauteua she said:
81 have decided To him who gets here first
this evening will plight my troth. Fate
shall decide"
Ths Van Buren, street car was slowly wend-
ing its way westward. On the sidewalk came
with firm tread a sunny-haired young man
Rupert Gilhooley Suddenly there fell upon
the air the clangor of bell. Rupurt broke
into run. The bridge began to open. He
succeeded in getting across. The car did not
In the rear left-hand corner Of that car sat
Adelbert Quirk.
Fate had begun work.
After crossing the bridge Rupert did not
sacLen his pace, and was well toward the end
of his journey. when the pitiful crying of a
child attracted his attention. He stopped and,
finding that the little waif had lost its way,
waited patiently until policeman came
up. into whose care he confded the wanderer.
By this time the bridge was closed, and the
car was laundering on its way, the horses lash
ed into their best speed by the driver, who was
anxious to make up for lost time. just as Ru-
pert gave the child to the policeman the car
canght up with him. He had but half mile
10 CO. Walking leisurely along, he reached the
residence of Sturvesant Meet ire, and as the
door opened Cleopatra fell into his arms with
glad cry.
Fate has brought you to me, my darling"
she said. "You must never leave me again"
An hour later the door-bell rang, and Adel-
bert Quirk was informed by the hired girl that
Miss Mcclure was not at home.
Rupert had outwalked the horse car