The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-03-08
TIN, THE T0LLKEEPER.
n. Rate that Overlook an Avarieions ola
seoundrei.-An Old womsn's Curse and
Its strange FuihIlmsnt-How
the Bridge Became Free.

NML MIEA1LN 49, IL y ANNt
II YOU have ever cruised among the
perplexing reaches and inlets that en-
tangle the coast Of Maine, perhaps you
have seen s4Tim's Bridge" queer de-
formed little fabric Of blockaded logs
spanning an arm Of the sea, locally
known as Clam river. Worn and weak
ened by the service Of three genera
tsons 81 travellers, II trembles under
the passing Of heavy team, as II its
days Of usefulness were nearly over
and the draw. when II opens, totters
on It's infirm and decaying pier like an
old man with failing limbs.
Within a hedge Of unkempt fish
wcirs and fringed with q growth Of
scragxy sprnces, here lies the sleepy
island town 81 Hockamock, cut from
the main by this meandering arm Of
the sea, and united TO Il BY Tins
bridge. Opposite Is Browsie, an an
Gent and fshy hamlet in whose streets
the grass grows now. but the scene Of
stirring business in the days when
Phipps. the knight Of the Spanish
Doubioons, was building his ships and
fitting ont his brave expeditions.
To these shores about three-quarters
Of century ago. when the fishermen
and farmers Of the two old towns were
In the heyday of their prosperity, camc
a settler named Tim Stubs. Where
be came from nobody knows His be-
ginning. like his end. Is involved In
mystery Ii Il, however, well-estab-
lished fact that he built the bridge, the
wiseacres of the day shaking their
heads ut his venture and yowing that
be never wonld get his money back,
hut ii did come back, swelling to a
stream Of silver and copper coin that
made Tim Stubs the richest man in
Hoekamock.
When he opened the bridge there was
great rejoicing in the two towns. II
was such wonderful accommodation
u travellers that they willingly paid
the tolls Some OF the fishermen and
ccast!ng shippers grumbled, at having
TO luff up and hang of for Tim TO open
his draw, but they soon became accus-
toned to 1t and blew their horns and
eonch-shells cheerily. always giving the
alarm just before they rounded the
sharp bend made by the reach little
below the bridge. As for the steam
boats that now pass and repass every
day, they had not vexed these waters
when our story begins.
But, unluckiiy for the tollman and al
who went through his bridge or over 1t,
Tins nature was as dwarfed and ugly
as its frame, and he fed II on nothing
but his tolls He lived in a little house
at the Hoekamock end Of the bridge,
together with his boards and dingy vel.
low dog. When he stretched ont his
palm for his toll. he had never a word
Of greeting for the passer-by. and II one
ventured . good morning." Tim
silently hurried away his money as
though civil word might break the
spell that protected IL.
Old Squire Dummer, Of Hockamock,
came tearing down the road to the
bridge one dark night, his horse in q
gallop.
open the gate, Tim, open the gate
It's = matter Of life and deathi" he
bawled
There Tim stood as unresponsive a.
death itself, his dog by his side, ths
gate shut and barred.
''Quickt' roared the squire. SIN
after the doctor for my wife she's lilx.
70 die
Tins only answer was to hold on
that hairy hand Of his, while the dol
gave low growL
What do You mean, you knave2'
Squire Dummer cried, swelling will
anger. Would you risk my wife's lif
for tuppence2''
Excited and Tuning he searched hi
pockets for coin while his horse pave,
and reared
iii, thereiwhoa boyl Confound you
haven't a penny in my brooches
whoa. boy steady I'll pay you to-mor
row, man. Open the gate in heaven
nancie III
Int the grim statue did not move s,
r1reh as finger till the squire, fairl,
afire with Indignation. threw down hi
watch and fob for toll.
When, next day, he told the yillager
81 heaffair the warmest indignation
was kindied on both sides Of the river
though perhaps it never would hav
burned Tins ears but for Aunt Han
nah Kicks
The scurvy villain!'' she muttered
her gray eyes flashing, ''I'll give him
piece Of my mind, II no one else dare
70 say a wordl' And away she hob
bled on her crutch down to the bridg
"a poor, bent and shriveled old WON
an, with face unpleasantly sharp an
tongue that was sharper still
All, Tim said she, shaking he
long, bony finger in his face, I'VE won
be al your tricks much longerl''
What do you mean?" growled Tim
mean robbinR and abusing folk
and taking their watches and fob
when you've no right to them--that'
what mean
Get along, you old hagl i won
y stand such talkr' said Tim, with
threatening glare,
Hear me out, miserable MANI Aun
Hannah went on. s.Let me tell yo
that its for the Evil One you're doin,
all thisl It's for the Evil One YOUR
plundering your neighbors and cheat
ing your own body and soulia
You witchl" Tom screamed, almos
beside himself with anger. BE 81 8
III have you hungl'
BahIs retorted the beldame, with
eontemPtuous snap 81 her fingers
Wen have . free bridge frstl''
Doubling his fist Tim started towar
her. while the dog crouched for
sprlng.
:" Bahr she repeated, standing he
ground and raising her cruteh. Come .