The Afro-American advance., 1899-11-11

pic III SGuAu1hAtiE ItSt AtS tEei AIT
higher on the banks of the Tagus. The
time passed. No longer could the peo-
pie say: Here once stood the bridge
of San Martin" for a new bridge had
risen, like thing of beauty, and,
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 ear.
dinal archbishop that the only thing
now#tO be done To complete the work
was TO remove the woodwork of the
arches and the scaffold. Great WAS the
joy of the cardinal and the people
True, the removal of the tons of solio
timber which supported the masonry
was most dangerous; but the coolnesi
of the architect, who had vowed &c
stand on the key 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, aud the bells of all tbs
churches of Toledo were ringing il
announcement of the coming event,
when Juan climbed to the central arch
TO see that all Was ready for the open
ing ceremony. lie 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. Al the
very height of his triumph a thought
had struck him which turned his blood
cold. Without saying Il 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-talt
looks betrayed him.
Are you i'll, Juan?" she asked, anx.
iously.
No" he answered.
'SA down by the fire and | will get
the supper ready. When you have
eaten and rested you will be yourseli
again"
lie 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 sorrow from me
Am | no longer worthy of your conf
dcnce?"
"katrine!"
Tell me what it is" she persisted
Il shall have no peace until know the
worst"
ut is hard to reveal the truth, dear,
but sooner or later you viii have to
learn it. so why not now? Then hefr
me. Tomorrow life and honor-all that
| prize most but you-will be lost. The
bridge must fall into the river, and
shall perish with it
No, no." she cried, claspiug him in
her arms in the anguish OF the revela-
ton.
Yes. l cannot deceive myself. When
most confident of my success, | have
discovered an error in my calculations,
and that one error will ruin every
thing"
The bridge may sink into the waters.
but not you, Juan. On my knees | will
beseech the lord cardinal to release
you from your engagement
Il cannot allow that. Ny word is
pledged. What is even life without
honor?"
You shall have life and honor both.
Trust me. But it is growing dark;
lie down now and sleep"
lie was worn out with grief and aux-
iety, and soon sank into n slumber as
placid as a child's. Meanwhile his wife
sat by the bedside watching him. The
hours wore on, the city spires chimed
midnight, and then the silence was
broken by the roll of distant thunder.
She opened the window and looked
out. The night was intensely dark, but
now and again vivid flashes of light
ming liz up the sky.
She put her face between her hands
and thought awhile, then, closing the
window noselessly, walked on tiptoc TO
the fireplace. From the hearth she
took n haf-burnt and still smoldering
brand. slipped cloak over her shout
ders, and glided forth like shadow
into the deserted streets.
Whittier was she going? Was that
brand TO serve as a torch, lighting her
path through the darkness? On she
sped, straight as an arrow, along the
dangerous track covered with broken
bowlders. Uttered with fragments of
masonry, with the rcek and rubbish
of building material, to fall at last,
painting for breath, under the center
arch of the new bridge.
a quick shudder convulsed her from
head to foot She was ON the edge OF an
abyss Of scething waters. A tremcn-
dous peal Of thunder at that moment
rcsouuded far and wide.
Hardly had it passed when she rose
to her feet, blew the brand fiercely to
kindle il afresh, and with firm and
steady hand applied it to the dry wood
of the scafTolding. The wood ignited
instantly; the fame spread, famed by
the wind; il grew and mounted with
fearful rapidity, involving arches and
framework and the whole structure in
one binding sheet of fire.
Then she turned and fled. Guided by
the glare and the lightning flashes, she
again the space which sep
arated her from husband and home. He
was still sleeping as she had left him. 4
few moments later there rose a sound OF
footsteps and shouting within the city,
and from every belfry rang the terrible
fire alarm.
The sudden uproar awoke Juan. lie
looked at his wife in terror.
.Why-how?" he stammered. What