Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-07-23

!
on your own estate" he continued. He
looked so sleek, self confident and smil-
ing rs he spoke then, that L hateI him
worse than ever.
Nv voice could not be trusted TO an
swer, nor my eyes to look at him
Could he have seen them for an instant,
he would have read my purpose. Just
then we reached the extremity of the
garden, and stood looking down from
the high bank upon the level train lines
below. There was nothing but low
hedge between us and the road; in an
instant was upon him.
"Die! l AN mad, and have sworn TO
do itl'
The strength of ten men was in my
arms. We wrestled, and his skull was
dashed against the tree trunk by which
we were standingl Oh! it WIS glori-
Gus vengeance. My heel stamped the
smooth smile out of his face till his own
children would not have known him, and
L danced upon him, and laughed loudly.
Suddenly the whistle sounded in the vii
lage station, far away. There was not
moment 10 be lost. tore the watch
from his pocket, took the purse with the
gold, and then flung the body over upon
the rails. and the train came swiftly on,
and crushed him as he lay! Was not
that revenge, and would any but a
madman have thought of it? Tell me
that! Tell me thatl''
l was so frozen with horror that l sat
as if petliied, and could not utter word.
"Now you wanted to know how 1 got
here" continued the maniac more quiz
etly, after mOmentary pause. "Well
he had this cloak on before the struggle.
l wrapped it around me and went straight
through the gardens, and cut at the gate
past his very lodge keeper; and thanks to
the high collar, none of them knew me
for we were very much of height,
the doctor and me. Once out OF sight
of the house-the dreary, cruel house
it seemed as if wings were upon my feet.
The people in the streets Of the town
stared at me, but what matter. l min
glcd with the crowd at the station, and
paid my fare like the rest with-aha!-
with the doctors money. But there was
blood on the gold; it would not ruo of,
it came again as fast as it was removed,
and 1 thought they would see it. They
did not though, and here l am, free, free.
Now answer me; do you believe I'm
madman?'
He put his face quite close to mine as
he said this, and his voice passed from
its former level tone to a quick, harsh,
exulting caliber, that thrilled me with
dismay; it was almost dark, too, and his
eyes shone with cold, unnatural lustre,
like the phosphorescent light which is
thrown out from fish in state of putre-
faction; it was clear that some reply must
be made; even while hesitating, he re-
peated the question, and this time more
impaiiently.
"Well, yes, 1 said at last, with quiv-
ering lips; "you must be mad"
"I'll prove it to you," he whispered,
bending still closer to me. ''How do
you think I'll prove it, now?"
1 shook my head.
"By numbering you as I murdered
him!''
"What do you think intend TO let
you live when told you all about it
live TO betray me, and take me back 10
the madhouse. No, no. Madmen are
brave-madmen are cunning-madmen
are strong"
saw that force would avail me moth
ing here. In great emergencies always
regain my presence of mind. This time
it did not fail me, and l was cool in an
instant.
Stop" 1 said calmly, fixing my eyes
full upon him.. d" You have not told me
all yet; if you are determined to have
my life, it is only fair that you should fin
ish your story frst.''
"That's true,' said the madman, with
an appearance of curiosity. What have
1 left out?''
You have not explained to me about
Lord Palmerston and the Ace of Clubs. u
81 didn't think you'd care TO hear
that" said he, doubtfully.
"I'd rather hear that than any other
part"
1t was so dark now that nothing of the
country beyond was visible. and the
lamp cast sickly glare through the car
riage. l knew that we must be within
short distance of the London terminus.
If could only divert his attention for
little while longer, l was saved. 1 de
termined to keep him in conversation, if
possible.
Lord Palmerston began it you must
know" he continued, and the ace of
clubs finished it,
"Did you know Lord Palmerston?'
| asked.
He looked at me vacantly, as if be
did not comprehend nv question. 1 re-
peated it.