The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1896-01-02

never ulnCnluks Npt
east down. He had pressed forward
for years. In the face Of almost insur-
mepntable obstacles. Now crushing
disaster had overtaken him. Life had
become . blank. His hearts desire
had failed. His souls ambition was
thwarted. The darkness Of inevitable
defeat had settled down upon him
and there was no way out.
These are not idle words. The
mans case was desperate
He was determined to end the strug-
sle. He decided to drown himself. lie
was q swimmer, but the river below
i.a match for the strongest man. 1t
swift, turbulant course to fall'
beyond which the waters are caught
In a swlrling maelstrom that'sucks IN
everv object that comes to It's grasp,
drawing it down, relentlessly, to GER
tain death. From that vortex escape
10 impossible.
He made his final preparations and
left home.
His vay lay across fields and along
n shady lane. He passed cottage
share a doctors carriage waited. As
he drew near the house the feeble wall
ofanew-horn infant assailed his ears.
He paused an instant, and even
smiled, as he recognized the sound.
He ionrnsyed on, his mind busylng
itself with the thoughts OF the life
lust begun. His heart yearned over 1t
Vow fitting that its first articulate
sound should be wall!
Crossing a field he saw a flock OF
meadow larks. As he watched them
he heard shot. The birds scattered.
Cne few up into the'sky and then fell
at his feet, where II lay still. He pick
cd huv. 1t had been shot through
the heart. AS he held the tiny body,
still warm, In his open palm, he felt
glow Of Indignation at such wanton
destruction OF life. He would have
siven nnch to restore the little feath-
cred thing to Its condition OF
moment before. He laid 1t tenderly
down among the stubble and went on.
He noted the blue sky and the green
hills, He reminded himself that ne
saw them for the last time.
He passed close beside grazing
horse and laid his hand upon the anil
malls neck with sense Of loving kin
ship.
He crossed bridge spanning deep
cut made ages ago by some upheavel
of the ehrth's crust. 1t was very deep
and the rucks below were ragged and
threatening. The bridge was frail
structure. Half way across he stepped
On 4 board that had become loesened.
Ths end few up and he fell, rolling
dear cut to the edge Of the bridge.
He elutched the rail desperately and
With the greatest difficulty swung
himself back to safety. He stood for
an instant, painting and breathless.
He scrutihized the loose board. 1t
was emily surface board. The under
structure was firm and solid "But
It was a narrow escape" he said to
himself and shivered.
Then he smiled at the thought OF
the GRAND upon which he was bound
and at his anxiety to save himself
from fall.
He passed on his way
At last he reached the river. 1t ran
deep and broad and swift between the
tres-lined banks. 1t seemed to bid
MIN welcome. He laid his hand with
q sense OF leave-taKing upon the
rouQh bark OF a liveOak. The branches
drosped gently over hin, as though
the great tree were a benehcen
spirit. The river. called. Within
its bosom was rest. Behind was des-
vsration. He was about to take the
plunge when he heard voices, below
him on the bank. A nursemaid and
child were coming toward him.
He turned impatiently away. He
would seek another spot.
He had walked several PAGES when
he heard shrill scream.
lie rushs back to learn its cause
and saw the child disappear beneath
the waters. The maid stood upon the
hank screaming and wringing her
bands.
Without an instant's hesitation he
threw OF coat and shoes and sprang
70 the rescue.
As the child rose to the surface he
grasped 1t by the skirt. The current
carried them cut into the stream and
here them downward. 1t was very
swift. He held the child's head abov
the water and struck for the shore
Still the current bore them down
ward. He battled with it fercely. The
water buffsted him with savage blows
and tossed him like chip upon its
waves. He fought his way inch by
inch, toward the shore. The maid
still stood there screaming and wiring.
ing her hands.
He had almost reached the goal
when the river tossed him back into
the current. The water sparkled and
danced In the sunlight, He returned
70 the charge like demon Every
nerve Was tense, every muscle was
strained to the uttermost In the effort
10 reach the shore.
At length he gained the quiet, close
in, under the shade Of the liveoaks
Ths bank was high and shelving. He
rallied his strength for one final effort
and raised his burden above his head
The maid Come to her senses, grasped