The Coconino sun., 1902-06-07
Across Earnings Bridge


 gleams the water of the beautiful stream, as it rushes on through mountain gorges and dales on it's way to the Tennessee. Beyond the valley lie the foothills; high above these rise range after range of mountains. Above all towers the top of lonely Pisgah.
 There has been the usual August rain, and the river is up and out of it's banks, covering the fertile valley and climbing high up on the stalks of corn. Last night the moon was bright, and 1 went down to the bridge, which is hidden from the house by a high hill crowning the bend in the river In the soft light of the moon the old wooden bridge is very picturesque, but you cannot help wondering if it will stand against that mighty rush of waters and all the driftwood which is swept against it's supports. Now and then a big log hits against it's wooden pier and you feel the jar and tremble of all it's timbers.
 I stood near the center of the bridge as in a dream, watching the of the moonlight on it's surface. Suddenly ] was startled by the sound of a buggy, or some kind of vehicle clattering on the bridge. l turned in astonishment to see who could be going at such gait at that time of night. What was my amazement upon seeing nothing-not human being in sight, not buggy or even horse.
 "I must surely have been dream ing" I said and turned again to watch the water and the moonlight.
 In a moment the same sound dis turbed my reverie. turned once more in wonderment; the same re- suit. Not soul; nothing broke the quiet of the beautiful scene. I must confess it was becoming somewhat uncanny: and when a third time this startling noise was heard the bright, cheery lights of home rose in allur- ing colors before me, and started in that direction.
 was just nearing the end of the bridge when saw my old friend By GOlly-Jim, as he was familiarity known. I knew ne was the bridge watcher, and he had probably come down to remove the driftwood from the pier. This was his mission. 1 greeted him and led him to the cen ter of the bridge under pretense of looking at the drift. Again the clat- tering of wheels and horses hoofs were heard. turned to him in ques- tioning astOnishment. His face wore a curious kind of satisfied express sion.
 You heerd it. too, did ye?" he said. 'It bothered me lots at first, but I done got plum used to it now. They say that's Dick Lorick driving. He comes every full moon ever since it happened. an that's nigh on to five years. Whoop! thar comes a big 'un, sho'." With this the old man climbed out on the pier and with a long pole pushed the log away from the pier. It seemed to me perilous operation. but he appeared to be per fectly unconcerned and fearless about hanging over the angry water.
 I moved to the end of the bridge and sat down. being very anxious to hear the account of Dick Lorick, but knew it was better to let Jim take his own time in the telling of it.
 After awhile he came and sat down by me, saying: "Yes, on this kind O night I don't mind having company on this bridge, not in the least particle. You know l ain't scared, but it makes me feel kind of skittish. sho', to hear that horse and buggy come clatterin' over the bridge and not see a durn soul"
 No" I said {" of course you don't