The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-12-18
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A GUESS FOR LIFE.

uspidySu III SaiiJiuS oue tho "ht"o Vi
their dsorderd minds. In their wild freaks
maniacs frequently evince method in their
planning, an adroitness and GOODNESS that
would do credit to the shrewdest sare per-
son. We give below a thrilling incident
which actually occurred as related, one OF
the parties to it having been prominent
army officer:
When my regiment was mustered out of
service, I bade adieu to my old comrads,
and to the army, and opened an office in
the fourshing town of L..
AS I was starting for the supper table,
on the evening of the third day after my
arrival, the office bell rang violently, and
soon the boy came in and said that man
wanted to see the doctor.
The visitor was standing by the fire when
l entered. He was tall, powerful man -
perfect giant compard to my "6ve foot
six" and his great head and busliy black
hair were we'll fitted to the mous.rous form
"If you are at liberty, doctor, please come
with me. 1t is but few steps, and you
will not need carriage"
put on my coat and hat and followed
him. 1t was my first call in l., and |
iondly hoped it was the foreruuner .of'many
others.
The man strobe on a pace ahead of me
all the time, Notwithstanding my endeav.
ors to keep at his side, and spoke not
word, not even answering my questions.
Stopping before substantial looking
residence on one of the principal streets,
applied the latch key, and led Inc into a
pleasant little room on the second floor Ga
study, I thought it), hung about with good
paintings, and elegant chromos, and lined
with books of every name.
"Takea seat, doctor;I will step out
moment. Take this chair by the fire. 1t
is bitter cold night"
The chair was great unweid thing,
but exceedingly comfortable. / threw my
feet upon the fender, and leaned back on
the cushion, very we'll satisfied to warm
little before seeing my patient.
| heard the man approach the door,
open and close it again. supposed he had
gone out, but did not look around to see.
Indeed, had no time, for stout cord
was thrown over my wrists and across my
breast, and handkerchief bound over my
mouth so quickly that | could make no
move to prevent it. When l was perfect>
ly secure, my conductor stepped in front of
me and looked with much interest at my
vain attempts to free myself.
Good stout cord, isn't it?" he asked
at has never been broken, and many a
stouter man than you has tried it. There,
now. be quiet while and l will tell you
what want"
He went to cabinet that stood in the
cornor OF the room, and taking long, wick
ed-looking knife from one of the drawers,
ran his thumb over the edge, and felt of
the point, all the while talking in the most
common place manner immaginable.
Il have studied the art of guessing for
years, said he. 81 can guess anything
that is my guessing chair that you arc. sit
ting III now and take great pleasure in
imparting my knowledge to others. This
is what want Of you to night | did IN.
tend to make you gless that, but l have
thought of something better"
He had become satisfied with edge and
point Of his knife, and was pacing up and
down the room, giving me full history of
the world, interspersed with facts relative
to the art of guessing, at which time he al.
ways stepped in front of me.
"Did you ever study il, doctor? 1 know
you havn't l am the only one that ever
reduced it to a science. Since L left my
noble veterans. have devoted my whole |
time to it; and now am about to initiate
you into its mysteries, il you are worthy"
He was standing before me so very calm
that did not think that he intended to
harm me but when l looked into his eyes,
burning with fire of insanity, l felt my sit |
nation was desperate indeed.
at must test vo., - he ea;d aT r,rot aaa
whether you are naturally gifted or not,
before waste much time with you i'll
remove the hankercheif will you answer my
questions 7" s
nodded an affirmative, aud he removed
t..
snow, my dear doctor, you are an entire
tranger to me. Without the least doubt