The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1894-11-08


10 was borne down Ly the furious
stream, struck the bridge with tre-
mendous force, wrenching it from its
supports.
Yet still il remained, held by some
obstruction which surely could not
Withstand the slightest added strain.
At that moment Mary's eager eyes es-
pied dark figure on the opposite
bank slowly battling away toward tho
bridge-crossing. Some instinct caused
her to glance backward, and there,
close at hand, was her other lover,
with triumphant smile, waving q
himsy glove ms q symbol OF his victory.
In a few seconds that glove would
be in her hand and she must abide by
her promise. Then il was when love
asserted control. Doubts disappeared.
Was there no escape? Oh. IL she were
only on the other bank But the
bridge-ahi she can reach it-she
will and with q bound she sprang to
the log, then to the bridge. The spec.
tators we're horror.stricken as they
saw the slight figure of the girl in that
| perilous position in midstream, on
that swsying bridge, and scarcely able
to withstand the violence OF the storm.
Not one OF all those brave men dared
to venture to her rescue, for any added
weight upon those unstable timbers
meant new peril for the girl whose life
was so precious to them. Their com.
mands to retrace her steps we're un.
needed. Yonder another log came
sweeping onward, propelled by the
united forces of wind and stream.
There was no hope for Mary Dean nm
less she reached the opposite bank be-
fore the log could strike the bridge.
With suspended breath they watched
her progress. She neared the end.
Their hearts seemed TO cease beating
as the log turned in the rapid stream,
and with terrible crash the bridge
at last gave way. But Mary Dean
was safe. She had gained the land,
and after the first moment of silent
thanksgiving cheer on cheer rang
above the storm as Mary was clasped
in the arms of her chosen lover. He
had brought the second glove and
thus proved his allegiance. Many a
tear of sympathy glistened in the
eyes of those strong men, for the
mountain wooer had won their dar-
ling, and they had little pity for the
city man who had sought the prize.
Stella's voice ceases, and spell
seemed to rest upon us as we gazed at
the Crags, so calmly beautiful in the
Transforming radiance of the peaceful
moon.
"Wasn't that gloriously brave
act?" murmured the heiress, ''and all
for love"
"Yes," added Stella, "it was grand.
The story was related to me two years
ago while l was staying at the old log
house. 1t impressed me SO strongly
that have ever since had an intense
longing to see the original. would
go far to see such real heroine as
that"
81 wonder what should have done
had been in her place, said frivolous
Nell. 81 think it was %-ked in her
to send them of as she did. Yes,
absolutely wicked"
"Oh, not wicked" cried passion.
ate voice, 81 entreat you; only
thoughtless," and we all turned to-
ward Mrs. Blank, who had risen, and
with flashing eyes, in which the tears
still shown, confronted our astonished
faces One hand was outstretched as
if pleading for leniency of Judgment
toward our heroine. Then, as some
sudden consciousness overcame her
impulse, she added, "I beg your par.
don, but / was much affected by your
anecdote," and with low "good
night" she left us.
The next evening at sunset we went
down the road for view of glorified
Shasta.
The warm air, balmy with aroma of
pine and sweetness of wild blooms,
the hum and buzz OF insects, and the
incessant murmur of the Sacramento,
all lulled me into day dreams. |
could see the graceful figure of the
slender mountain maid as she passed
amid her native forests surrounded by
all this wealth of nature.
could hear the rumbling of wheels
and the snap of the hourishing whip
announced the approach of the stage
as it dashed down this very road only
to disappear in cloud of dust. /
could hear the words of the driver
but no. Whose voice was it thus sud-
denly recalling me to consciousness Of
my surroundings?
We have reached the river aud there,
near the ruins of an old bridge, stood
the Blanks. 1t was the husbands
voice that had intruded upon my
reverie. And the wife replied:
"When I come here l live over again
all the suspense and dread of those
terrible hours. thought had over
come such weakness, but when you
promised yesterday to go up the cliffs
it was more than could bear, and yet
| am ever grateful for tho test which
taught me to read my own heart
Alright"
"And l." said her husband, ere.