Tombstone epitaph., 1890-01-25
CROSSING THE RIVER.
A Pathetic Little Story Based on
 @ Railroad Accident.
Ben Went to Sleep First, but His Faithful Rachel Followed Him Quickly-Both Were Ready to Meet Their Maker
 and to Receive Their Reward.


 Engineer Dimmick, of the Chicago ex- press, said he had been in nervous dread 1f an accident from the moment he pulled out of the Lake Shore depot in yhicago, writes William H. Maher in 5he Toledo Blade. This had made him unusually careful, but as he reached herman's crossing little behind time le began to lose his fear. He opened he throttle of old 9O, intending to gain 'ew minutes in the remaining eight niles between there and Toledo. He ;tarted to signal for the crossing just 5his side of the trees when, herror! he saw a farmer driving furiously toward it IS if to cross ahead of the train.
 It was suicide!
 Dimmick sent out heart-breaking sig nal to the brakeman, reversed the en- gine, put on air-brakes, knowing all the time the train could not be stopped this tide of the crossing, and then shut his yes and prayed.
 When the engine stopped part of the vagon was on the headlight, the horses
 ere distributed along the track and wo old people were lying near the lnce.
 Dimmick was the first to reach them.
 hey both breathed. Was there phy- elan among the passengers? Yes, two.
 A hurried examination and consulta ion. The man was undoubtedly fatally iurt; the woman probably so.
 They were tenderly carried to Mr.
 ichards' house near by, and the phy- clans were told that if they would stay atil the local practitioner could be ,und locomotive would be sent back Jr them in an hour. They agreed to tay. The bell rang; travellers hurried 0 their places; some with white faces t the thought that it might have been themselves; others full of the impor- .ance participation in the event would i've them and their story, and others, forgetting themselves, thinking only of the sorrow brought to others.
 MT. Richards placed his house at the command of the physicians. Stimulants yere administered, and when the fami- V doctor and the children of the suffer- ,rs had arrived the father was moan ng, but the mother had opened her yes.
 Late in the night, after hours of aithful and incessant labor over them, he mother spoke:
 "How is father?"
 ''He is still unconscious, but is well taken care off. Here is something for you; aow don't worry; don't think; just go to sleep again." Her son spoke to her.
 'I must go to father."
 ''You mustn't think of ;t. mother You are very badly hurt yourself. You must be very quiet"
 T must go to father; he needs me-"
 The physician looked at her keenly, saying, in a low tone, to the son: T think we had better fix place for her near him. She will never be con 5ent otherwise"
 The son coaxed and argued with her, but it was of no avail. They moved her bed beside her husbands; she at tempted to take his hand, but could not. His stentorious breathing seemed to make no impression upon her.
 ''Is father going to die?" she asked. The weeping daughter nodded. ''You must keep quiet for your own sake, mother"
 We've been married over forty-eight years," she said to the doctor, ''but we've known each other all our lives"
 'You mustn't talk, mother"
 "We was "a sed side by side; he took care on me when we went to school to- gether; he's always took care on me. Put me on my side more, sos can see him better"
 Mother, you must stop thinking and talking" She paid no heed.
 Seems s if 'twa'n't but little while ago since we was married; but it's over forty-eight year. We was talkin' of our golden weddin' this very week. Benr' The son put his hands on her lips to silence her, but the doctor whispered: Better let her talk little. She's be- yond control"
 The gray-headed husband seemed to hear her call; he opened his eyes. breathed less noisily, struggled with his NOICe, dHu GAou HdndBou Co "HAopOA' Rachel"
 ''Here am, Benjamin." and turning her eyes to the daughter, ''put my hand in his." They laid her poor, wrinkled hand on his hard, knotty fingers.
 ''Is this morning, Rachel?"
 'sNo, it ain't; you just lie still. You see," said she, turning her eyes to the others, ''he thinks it's time to get up." ''Rachelr' In very low whisper it came. "Yes, Ben; I'm right here beside you" 'Tell Jim to milk this morning."
 ''Yes, yes; that's all attended to. Can you see me?" ''It's very light, wife, but I-can't- see-you."
 The doctor motioned to the children that the end was near.
 "Put my face on his, Susy; yes, I know he's going, but 'tan't for long; lift me over to him."
 They lifted her face to his; his eyes opened; he smiled-and passed away. They carried the mother back to her own pillow and were glad to see her quietly go to sleep.
 And in. that sleep she crossed the river to her Ben.
 Owen Meredith as a Diplomat. Lord Lytton, British Minister to the novelist, in personal appearance,