The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-04-02
THE DEVILS BRIDGE.
A Swiss Legend of the OutwittinE of Satan
.-@ Z-- by q BallIft. u

by q Ball1ff.
Written for The HELENA INDEPENDENTLY NJ
YsVlfE WE'RE IN SWITZERLAND. AT
AJNR Goschenen, a charming village
0ySyO $500 feet above the level of the
sea, at the entrance of the tunnel of the
Saint Gothard.
In the morning at eight O'clock we took a
carriage to go to the glacier of the Rhone.
Nothing could be more picturesque and
more beautiful than this glacier road. It
wound about. ascending constantly, until
at the end of five hours and a half we ar
rived at the pass of the Furka, at the glacier
of the Rhone, at q height Of 1920 feet.
We had been following the course of the
Reuss, a mighty foaming torrent whirling
about the masses of rock as If it would bear
them along on it's wild and terrible way to
the valley.
Then we passed over the DEVILS bridge,
a wonderful single arch thrown over the
torrent, and there we heard the curious
legend which gave it it's name.
This is the legend as it was told:
The two cantons of Uri and U~nterwald
were formerly separated by the Reuas, and
no communication could be established be-
tween them, because the torrent carried
away all the bridges which could be con-
structed over its bed.
One day the people came and told the
bailiff of the canton of Uri that the newest
and the best bridge ever built had been
carried away the night before. 10 describe
the bailif's fury would be impossible.
None but the devil" said he, "can ever &C
complish this work"
Upon these words the bailitf's servant ap-
peared with convulsed features, announc-
ing in a trembling voice, Ellis Satanic Ma
~iesty.' The devil entered with Il low bow.
He was dressed like a. Swiss peasant, and
his long tail hung below his t. ousels be-
hind. He seated himself at ease in an arm
chair, and resting his cloven feet on the
glowing brands in the fireplace: 'lou
called me, I believer"
"No-yes,' replied the bailiff.
For the construction Of a BRIDGE con-
tinued the devil.
1.-The service you speak of would be of
inestimable value to u.s."
For nothing You get nothing, says the
proverb.' continued Satan.
1--WE expended ten ounces of gold for the
last bridge, and l would willingly pay you
double that sum for the bridge you would
engage to build for u.s.
Bah! if you have nouhing but money to
offer me, you may keep it.. have all the
ing coal from the fire with his fingers, he
put it into the bailitf's money-bag, when.
for a marvel, tho conl became an ingot of
gold rs cold as a morsel of ice.
Very we'll, then; what will you huve?n
Here, read and sign this paper; that is
what wish,o and drawing n raper from his
pocket the devil laid it before the balliff,
The litter read az follows: satan shall
have for his own the first soul which shall
pass over the bridge which he, Satan, en-
cages to build in 81 single night"
Tho bailitf, after q moments reflection,
wrote his name below tho agreement; the
devil did the same. put the paper into his
pocket and disappeared, leaving n strong
odor of sulphur behind him.
The next day n superb bridge spanned
tho Reuse. and the builder sat on n stone in
the road. waiting for his promised reward.
Suddenly in the distance he Jaw the bail
iff coming, carrying II sack on his back.
How is this!'' cried tho devil; ''are YOU
coming to cross the bridge first. my dear
friend-to sacrifice yourself for your COM
patriota?"
Not precisely.'' replied the other, in a
mocking tone. then he stopped and lot down
his sack at the end of tho bridge, united
the cord that bound it, and let out of it II
great black cat, which CROSSED the bridge
with rapid bounds.
"Wretch!!' screamed the devil, ''you
thought you would trick me, but ii shall do
you no good;" and taking up an immense
mnss of lock, he was about to annihilate
his work, when n procession Of priests np-
penred, with tho cross borne before them.
and banners Aging, to bless the bridge. AT
Mas sight Satan quickly dropped the rock