The Forrest City times., 1899-11-03
"Eone as yet, my lord"


 that l was a soldier in my youth: but i'll health drove me to resign the profes- sion of arms and return to my native castle, where I devoted myself to the study of architecture. My name is Juan. and there are certain buildings of mine of which others have the credit. l was poor and unknown. I sought only bread and shelter. Glory I left to my rivals"
 "I understand. At the same time I deeply regret that the lack of any eyi- dence of your professional ability com pels me to decline your services. have really no choice but to say that with out some satisfactory guarantee would trust no one"
 l can offer you one guarantee. my lord" said Juan, "a guarantee which. l believe, ought to satisfy you"
 What is that?"
 My life,"
 The archbishop started and looked searchingly and almost sternly into the face of the man before him. You speak in riddles. sir" he said, coldly. "Please to explain" Tt is thus: When the work is done. and the frame of the center arch shall be removed, I, the architect, will stand upon the keystone. Should the bridge collapse I shall perish with it." In the pause that followed the arch bishop ran his eye over the group of attentive listeners sitting round him. "The responsibility is very serious,' he remarked, musingly; land you shall advise me, gentlemen. Say then: Shall take the worthy senor at his word ?'' They answered him "Yes." So it was decided; and the conference broke up. With quick step Juan made his way through the throng outside the palace gates until he reached a humble dwell ing on the outskirts of the city. His wife stood waiting for him at the door.
 "Well," she said, pushing the dark braided hair from her forehead. while her eyes seemed to search his very soul, so intent was their gaze, have you sue ceeded?'
 He clasped her in his arms.
 Aye, Katrine! Amid the monu- ments that embellish Toledo there will one day be one to transmit to posterity the name of your Juan" It was no idle boast. All through the blythe spring, or into sunny June, the pile of scaffolding rose higher and higher on the banks of the Tagus. The time passed. No longer could the peo- pie say: Here once stood the bridge of San Martini" for a new bridge had lrienv &l.s Af I though still supported by massive frames, the center arch was visible far | and near to all who approached the river.
 On the eve of the feast of the patron saint of the city, Juan informed the car dinal archbishop that the only thing now to be done to complete the work l arches and the scaffold. Great was the joy of the cardinal and the people. True, the removal of the tons of solid timber which supported the masonry was most dangerous; but the coolness of the architect, who had vowed to stand on the keystone and stake his life on the result, reassured everyone. The solemn office of the blessing of the bridge was appointed for the fol- lowing day, and the bells of all the churches of Toledo were ringing in announcement of the coming event, when Juan climbed to the central arch to see that all was ready for the open ing ceremony. He went about singing under his breath an old ballad as he inspected the different preparations Suddenly he stopped and a strange expression stole over his face. At the very height of his triumph thought had struck him which turned his blood cold. Without saying word to anyone he descended from the platform and hastened home.
 Try as he would he could not hide his agitation from his wife. His tell-tale looks betrayed him.
 Are you i'll, Juan?" she asked, anx- iously.
 "No," he answered.
 Sit down by the fire and I will get the supper ready. When you have eaten and rested you will be yourself again.
 He obeyed her, like a man in dream. She stole to his side and laid her hand gently on his shoulder.
 For the first time in our married life you are keeping a sorrow from me- Am l no longer worthy of your confi- deuce?"
 'katrine!"
 ''Tell me what it is," she persisted. Il shall have no peace until know the worst"
 ''It is hard to reveal the truth, dear, but sooner or later you will have to learn it, so why not now? Then hear me. Tomorrow life and honor-all that I prize most but you-will be lost The bridge must fall into the river, and I shall perish with it."
 No, mo-" she cried, clasping him in her arms in the anguish of the revela- tion.
 "Yes! l cannot deceive myself. When most confident of my success, I have discovered an error in my calculations, an6 that