Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1891-01-09
THE FAILURE OF BRADLEY.
BY LUKE SHARP.

eff I only had the courage" said
Bradley as he looked over the stone para
pet of the embankment at the dark
waters of the Thames as they flashed for
moment under the glitter of the gas
light and then disappeared in the black
night to fash again further down.
Every likely would struggle to get
out again the moment | went over," he
muttered to himself. "But if no help
came it would all be done in minute.
Two minutes perhaps. I'll warrant those
two minutes would seem an eternity.
would see hundred ways of making a
living if could only get out again. Why
can't see one now while / am out. My
father committed suicide, why shouldn't
II suppose it runs in the family. There
seems to come time when it is the only
way out. wonder if he hesitated9 I'm
coward, that's the trouble"
After moments hesitation the man
slowly climbed on the top of the stone
wall and then paused again. He looked
with shudder at the gloomy river.
"I'll do it," he cried aloud, and was
about to slide down when hand grasped
his arm and voice said:
"What will you do2"
In the light of the gas lamp Bradley
saw a man whose face seemed familiar
and although he thought rapidly,
'Where have l seen that man beforeg"
he could not place him.
Nothing" answered Bradley, sui
lenly.
"That's right" was the answer. "Id
do nothing of that kind if l were YOU"
"Of course you wouldn't. You have
everything that haven't-food, clothes,
shelter. Certainly you wouldn't. Why
should you9'
"Why should you, If it comes to
that?"
because ten shillings stands between
me and job. That's why, if you want
to know. There's eight shillings rail
way fare, shilling for something to eat
tonight and shilling for something in
the morning. But l haven't the ten
shillings and that's why"
eff give you the ten shillings what
assurance have that you will not go and
get drunk on its"
"None at ALL I have not asked you
for ten shillings, nor for one. 1 have
simply answered your questions"
''That is true. 1 will give you q
pound if you will take it, and SO if un-
fortunately you spend half of it in cheer
ing yourself up, you will still get that
job. What is the job?"
81 am a carpenter"
'You are welcome to the pound"
81 will take it gladly. But, mind
you, am not beggar. 1 will take it
If you give me your address, so that l
may send it back to you when I earn it. :"
By this time Bradley Had come down
on the pavement. The other man
laughed slightly.
81 cannot agree to that. You are
welcome to the money. More if you
like. merely doubled the sum you
mentioned to provide for anything un-
seen."
''Unless you let me return it, will not
take the money"
81 have perfect confidence in your
honesty. If had not would not offer
the money. l cannot give you my adj
dress, or, rather, will not. If you will
pay the pound to some charity or will
give it to someone who is in need / will
be satisfied. If you give it to the right
man and tell him to do the same, the
pound will do more good than ever it
will in my pocket or in my usual way of
spending it.
''But how are you to know / will do
that2"
II am considered rather good Judge
of men. l am certain you will do what
you say"
II will take the money. l doubt if
there is anyone in London tonight
who needs it much worse than do. /"
Bradley looked after the disappearing
figure of the man who had befriended
him.
81 have seen that man somewhere be
fore, he said to himself. But in that
he was wrong. He hadn't.
Wealth is most unevenly and most un
fairly divided. All OF us admit that,
but few of us agree as to what should be
the remedy. Some of the best minds OF
the century have been in doubt as to
what is the true remedy. AThe poor ye
have always with you" is as true to-day
as it was 1900 years ago. Where -