Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-04-22
An Escaped Lunatic.

In a coach which was winding its why in
the interior of Vermont, dozen years sincs
was a dandy swell, whom we shall call Snubbs
lie evidently considered himself man OF
great importnncc-far superior in every re-
spcct to his country travelling companions
for the reason, mainly, that he hailed from
" New Yawk."
During the conversation which occurred, Of
which he was the chief speaker, he conceitcd-
ly remarked, that he had often heard of the
'cutoncss Of Yankees, and of Yankee tricks;
but as none Of the latter had ever come under
his observation, he was quite willing to offer
himself as a subject for any effort Of the kind"
Among the passengers was boy some four
teen years Of age, who was returning from
school to spend the vacation at home. Though
he had been termed "greonhorn by Snubbs,
yet he was bright, though modest little fol-
low, and an observant listener.
Snubbs proposed to dino that day at the Inn
in the little village where the boy resided
After which, he designed to walk distance of
two miles, to the residence OF Squire Smith, to
whom he had letters of introduction. Near
the village was lunatic asylum, from which
patients occasionally escaped, causing much
alarm In the vicinity. After the arrival Of the
coach at the Inn, the boy took the road to
Squire Smiths, and informed the residents
along the way that lunatic had escaped from
the asylum that hc was desperate, aud would
knock the brains out Of any person within his
reach. At the same time he gave an accurate
description Of the manners and personal ap-
peararso Of Snubbs, and stated that he might
more particularly be known by his inquiring
the way to Squire Smiths.
After dinner Snubbs sailed forth in the full
possession Of his ponderous intellect, with cane
iourishing labaton, and with segar in mouth
The road to Smiths was winding. The land
lord directed him part Of the way, and in
formed him that beyond any of the inhabitants
could pass him along. as all were acquainted
with Squire Smith.
After travelling the directed distance, halt
ed at the gate of farm house, on tbs stoop Of
which sat an elderly female knitting, but who
had not observed his approach.
"Madam, will you please inform re which
is tho right way to Squire Smith's?"
Tho old lady looked up, and for moment
stared in blank amazemont. The knitting
work dropped, her spccks fell from her fore
head.
Good gracious |" she screamed, as she flew
inside the house and boltcd the doors Soon
after she appeared at a sccond-story window,
and partially raising the sash, exclaimed
40, you poor unfortunate critter, do go way
from here How sorry do feel for you"
"Why, madam, I'm stranger here; merely
wish to inquire the right road to Squire
Smiths"
go, yes, l know all about it, Come, now,
that's good fellow, do go away. How your
poor mother must feel, fishes a-livcn' yet!
Further rurley was useless; Suubbs was
convinced that the woman was insane, and he
passed on.
In front Of the next house, strong, muscv-
lar man was engaged chopping wood. AS
Snubbs approached him his suspicious be-
came aroused, and he seized stout hickory
stick some four feet in length, for the purpose
of self-defensc.
Good-day, friend will you please direct
me on the right road to Squire Smiths ?"
"Blast your internal pictOr" roarod the
now excited farmer, brandShing his club in
meDacing and furious manner. "Ill Smith
yo-clcar out Make tracks, or III smash
your outside in y
The alarmed Shubbs rctrcated then passed
the house on the double quick. Seeing he
was not followed he resumed lis walk, thor
oughly astonished, confoupded at such extra
ordinary treatment.
After walking onward a few hundred yards
be came to four corners, and not knowing
which course TO take, he sat down in recess
of Virginia rail fence TO ponder on bis situa-
ton.
The cro:s-road in front Of him forms the top
of a small abrupt hill In short time a
meagre-looking youth, but Of mans height,
assembled the hill without observing our hero,
until directly opposite to him. Snubbs sud-
denly arose, and waving his cane, approached
the youth rapidly, exclaiming-
Where does Squire Smith live 2"
The terrified youth, with outstretched
arms, sprang some two or three feet in The air,
and yelled, "Lord have mercy on meP He
then darted to the opposite side of the road,
jumped the fence at bound; and neither
stumps nor bitches were any obstacle to the
continued progress Of bis long legs.