The American patriot., 1855-02-07
A LIlHlatic's Cunning.

A very laughable incident occurred at the unatc
ic asylum at Lancaster about ten days ago. Apar
ish officer from the neighborhood of Middleton
took lunatic to the asylum, pursuant to an order
signed by two magistrates. AS the man was res
pectably connected gig was hired for the pur-
pose, and he was persuaded that it was merely
an excursion Of pleasure on which he was going
In the course of his journey, however, something
occurred to arouse the suspicious of the lunatic
with respect to his real destinations but he said
nothing on the subject, made no resistance, and
seemed to enjoy his jaunt. When they arrived at
Lancaster it was too late in the evening to proceed
to the asylum and they took up their quarters for
the night at an inn. Very early in the morning
the unatic got up and searched the pockets of the
officer, where he found the magistrates order for
his own detention; which of course, completely let
him into the secret. With that cunning which
madmen not unfrequenty display, he made the
best use of his way to the asylum, saw one of the
keepers, and told him that he had got sad mad
fellow down at Lancaster whom he would bring
up in the course of the day. adding 'IIe's very
queer fellow, and he has got very odd ways. For
instance, should not wonder if he was to say
was the mad man, and that he was bringing me;
but you must take good care of him, and not be-
licve word that he says"
The keeper of course promised compliance, and
the lunatic walked back to the inn where he found
the officer still fast asleep. He awoke him and
they sat down to breakfast together.
you're lazy fellow to be sleeping all day; I
have had long walk this morning." said the
lunatic.
'Indeed," said the officer, 1 should like to have
walk myself after breakfast; perhaps you will go
with me?"
The lunatic asscnted, and after breakfast they
sat out, the officer leading the way toward the
asylum, intending to deliver his charge; but it
never occurred to him to examine whether his Or
| der was SAFE
When they got within sight of the asylum, the
lunatic exclaimed: "What fine house that isl"
"Yes," said the officer II should like to sec the
inside of it."
$50 should II observed the lunatic.
"Well dare say they will let us through;
will ask" was the response.
They went to the door; the officer rang the bell
and the keeper whom the lunatic had previously
seen made his appearance with two or three assis
tants. The officer then began to tumble in his
pockets for the ordcr when the lunatic produced
it. and gave it to the keeper, saying: "This is the
man spoke to you about. You will take care o.
him; shave his head and put straight waistcoa
on him."
The men Immediately laid hands on the poo,
officer who vociferatcd loudly that the other was
the mad man and he the officer; but as this
only confirmed the story previously told by thu
lunatic t did not at all tend his liberation lie wa,
then taken away, and became so Indignantly fu
rious that the straight waistcoat was speedily
put upon him, and his head was shaved sccundun
drtem
Meanwhile, the lunatic walked deliberately bacl
to the inn, paid the reckoning, and set out on hi
journey homeward. The good people of the coun
try were, of course surprised on seeing the.wron!
man return; they were afraid that the lunatic in
fit of frenzy had murdered the officer, and the,
asked him with much trcpidation, what he hat
! done with Mr.. Stevenson.
"Done with him." said the mad man, "why,
left him at the Lancaster Asylum, as mad as hell
which, indeed, was not far from the truth; for tn
, wits of the officer were well nigh upset by hi
' unexpected detention and subsequent treatment
. Further inquiry was forthwith made by hi
, neighbors, and it was ascertaiped that the ma
was actually in the asylum. A magistrates ordc
. was produced for his liberation; and he returne
homo with handkerchief tied round his head i
t lieu Of the covering which nature had hestowe
i uron it--Ergyict n7rcr.