St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-05-29
LEGEND OF DEVILS BRIDGE.

How His Satanic Majesty Con-
structed an Arch in Switzer-
land.
The Devils bridge in Switzerland is a
wonderful single arch thrown over the
Reuss, and it is said the torrent carried
away all the bridges which could be
constructed over its bed, says the Pitts
burg Dispatch. One day the people
came and told the bailiff of the Canton
of UrI that the newest and best bridge
ever built had been carried away the
night before. To describe the bailiff'S
fury would be impossible. "None but
the Devil" said he, ''can ever accom-
plish this work."
Upon these words the bailiff's serv-
ant appeared with convulSed features.
announcing in trembling voice, Ibis
Satanic majesty" The devil entered
with a low bow. He was dressed like
Swiss peasant, and bis long tail hung
below his trousers behind. He seated
himself at ease in an arm chair, and.
resting his cl0ven feet on the glowing
brands, said: "You called me, l be-
lieve."
Moves" replied the bailif.'
''For the destruction of bridge?'
continued the devil.
The service you speak OF would be
of ineStimable value to us"
For nothing you get nothing says
the prOverb," continued Satan.
1--WE expended ten ounces of gold for
the last bridge. and | would willingly
pay you double that sum for the bridge
you would engage to build for US.
bah! If you have nothing but money
to offer me. you may keep it. l have all
the money | care for" And picking up
a glowing coal from the fire with his
fingers he put it into the bailiff's money
bag, when, for marvel. the coal be-
came an ingot of gold as cold as morsel
OF ice.
VERY well, then; what will you
have?"
Here. read and sign this paper; that
is what | WISH" and drawing a paper
from his pocket the devil laid it before
the bailiff.
The latter read as follows: "Satan
shall have for his own the first soul
which shall pass over the bridge, which
he, satan, engages to build i'll single
night.
The baiiff, after a moments ref1ec-
ton, wrote his name below the agree
ment; the devil did the same. put the
paper into his pocket, and disappeared,
IL SllOlS OuOl VI
him.
The next day superb bridge spanned
the ReuSs, and the b1ilder sat on stone
in the road, waiting for his promised re-
ward. Suddenly in the distance he saw
the bailtf coming, carrying a sack on
his back.
How is this?'' cried the devil; "are
you coming to cross the bridge first, my
dear friend-to sacrifice yourself for
your cOmpatriots?"
Not precisely" replied the other in
a hooking tone. Then he stopped and
let down his sack at the end of the
bridge. united the cord that bound it,
and let out OF it a great black cat,which
crossed the bridge with rapid bounds.
"Wretch!" screamed the devil. ''yOu
thought you would trick ME. but it will
do you no good" and. taking up an inn
lnenSe ma SIS of rock. he was about to
annihilate his work, when procession
of priests appeared with the cross borne
before them and banners flying, to bless
the bridge. At this sight satan quickly
dropped the rock and disappeared,
bowling III disappointment and rage.
When the bailiff put his hand into his
money bag for the ingot of gold he
burned his fingers OH red-hot coal.