Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-08-01

a walk, such as we have often taken
together, and perhaps nature will
furnish US an object, not only for
contemplation, but instruction as
well.'
Up stream, not far from Jacks
residence, there was beautiful cat
aract, the water falling in single
sheet over ledge of rocks about 80
feet high. While this waterfall was
an object Of beauty TO the eye, the
ear was at the same time charmed
with the noise of the water, which
produced music Of its own, delight
fully soothing.
Here Jack was accustomed to
spend many an hour, and it was the
only place and object which afforded
him any relief in his distress. for
even his family, in their sympathy,
failed to comfort him.
Having reached the place Of the
cataract, they seated themselves up
on fallen tree in full view of the
waterfall, and Dick utilized the view
before them as follows
Dick-What beautiful view OF
grand object, Jack, is it not?
Jack (inditferently)-Yes, certain
ly, of course it is.
Dick-Look and see the contrast
between the streams placid appear
ance above, before it tumbles over
the ledge, and its majestic appear
ance as falling sheet down thirty
feet to the level below. How the eff
fects of its impetus produce thons-
and bubbles, and cover the waters
below with snowy foam. But look,
the water eddies and twirls awhile,
and then is released from the effects
of the falling sheet, and carries the
foam short distance down stream !;
but gradually the frail foam explodes
and the stream once more becomes
its former self and flows on gently
without any sign of having been dis.
turbed. Do you now see any trace
Of the effects of the cataract on the
water
Jack-No, none.
Dick-Well then, Jack, listen to
me. This waterfall teaches q great
lesson, and is a symbol of the fall
ard recovery through which some
persons are called to pass in this
life-an ordeal to which you are now
subjected. When an individual, in
The possession and enjoyment of
every thing to make him happy and
contented, suddenly falls from the
height he has attained, he is natural
ly so shocked and overcome that he
is likely to lose all courage, energy
and self-control. His sudden reverse
brings him to the point of despair,
and dethrones reason. He ceases to
be himself. His nerves are shatter-
ed. Gloomy thoughts pervade his
mind. The cheerfulness of those
around him only intensifles his
gloom. All around is impenetrable
darkness. Thus he goes on until he
perhaps closes his unhappy life by
suicide.
"This is the dark side of the pic.
ture, but it is a source of comfort
and satisfaction that there is a bright
side also, and that not every one al
lows misfortune to rob him of his
pluck and manhood. AS he mixes
with the world, and sees others in
the same, and perhaps more desper-
ate condition, the keen edge of his
sorrow and frettulness begins to
wear off. Here and there unexpect-
ed threads of encouragement are
woven into his saddened heart. BY
and by he acquires determination of
purpose, and strength of resolution.
He RECEIVERS his manhood, and his
manhood will lead him to the TIRES
hold of success.
"You notice that though the
stream is interrupted and disturbed
by the waterfall, yet afterwards it as
sumes its uniform flow and placid
surface as before. Now let this be
a lesson to you. You were moving
along fairly well in your career. All
at once you fell, and your mind is
now like the turbulent waters; but
even as the stream is its placid self
again, SO you will again recover
yourself, provided you take the prop
er course and employ the legitimate
means, and | know you are made of
the right stuff to do it,
Jack was visibly moved. Without
saying word he took Dicks arm
and returned to the house. Dick,
thinking he had said enough for this
time, took leave of his friend, who
thanked him for his interest in his
behalf, and promised to consider the
lesson OF the cataract +; and before
long Dick had the satisfaction to
hear that Jack was in a fair way OF
financial recovery.
Financially Embarrassed.
A large manufacturer, whose af-
fairs were very much embarrassed,
and Who yyac ouarworkod and broken