Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1871-04-08

much interest at NY VAIN attempts 10 Tree
myself,
"Good stout cord, isn't it?' he asked
cit has never been broken, and many a
stoutcr man than you has tried it. There:
now, be quiet a while, and + will tell you
! what WANT
lie went to q cabinet that stood IN the cor
ner of the room and taking q long, wicked
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 COM
monplacc manner imaginable.
81 have studied the art Of guessing for
years" said he. :: I can guess anything;
that is my guessing chair you are sitting in,
and take pleasure in imparting my knowl-
edge to others This is what want of you
tonight. did intend to make you guess
that, but have thought of something bet
ter"
Ic had become satisfied with the edge and
point of his knife, and pacing up and down
the room, giving me full history of the
world intcrspcrscd with facts relative to the
art of guessing, at which times he always
stopped IN front Of nc.
| DlN SOu ChCi StuuS IL, upSloI i hAo"
you haven't. I am the only one that ever
reduced it to science. Since left my noble
veterans, | have devoted my whole time to
it and now / am about to initiate you into
its mysteries, if you are worthy.'
lie Was standing before me SO very calm,
that did not think he intended to hurt nc !;
but when looked into his eyes, burning
with the fire Of insanity, felt that my sltua-
ton was desperate indeed.
&" must test you,'' he said. II must sec
whether you are naturally gifted or not be-
fore 1 waste much time with you. If L re-
move the handkerchief will you answer my
questions -
[ nodded an affirmative, and he removed
it.
Now, my dear doctor. you are an entire
stranger to me. Without doubt YOU have
often heard of me, but it will be Il hard task
TO distinguish my name from all other great
men Of the time. You may guess it, doctor
What is it,"
He had brought his face so near to mine
that [ could feel his hot breath, and fam
cicd that I could feel the heat in those ter
riblc eyes, The long keen blade he was
holding over mc-fpr what? 10 take my
life if failed
Guess. guess" he screamed, If you
fail. it will be your last guess in this world. '
| dared not cry out !; the knife was too
near. could not escape for the strong cord
bound nc 70 the chair. could not lift, and
[ should lie there and lose my life. What
could do?
1T is hard guess and will give YOU
three minutes 70 answer it," he said.
I summoned all my courage, which had
never yet failed mc-cvcn in the awful hour
of hattIc-aud looking him steadily in the
eye, said:
II know you. sir: so what is the use Of
guessing? have seen You on the battle
field marShaIlng your hosts to victory. /
have seen you cut down a score of men with
your own single arm. have seen you put
to flight whole battalion. [ know you-
every one knows you. Your name is in my
mouth"
had remembered what he had said about
leaving his veterans, and had tried the ha-
rangue to divert his attention. paused to
mark the effect.
"Ics-ycs, DOCTOR But what is it :"
he exclaimed. Thirty seconds
Great God. What would not have given
for clue to that madmans fancv, Thirty
seconds, and how short second is. The
knife was raised higher, that it might gain
momentum by the distance. His body was
braccd for the stroke. and his eye upon the
mark.
Ten seconds more, What is it,"
There was only one hope for me, and that
was to guess. [ felt that he considered him
self some great man and he had spoken Of
veterans. some great military chicftain. |
! thought of cur own heroes. and the names
Of many Of them were upon my lips, but [
dared not utter them. |; was the greatest
chance game that | ever played-my life de-
pended on the guessing Of name. thought
| Of all the European generals, but cast them
aside again. and came back to our own side
! of the water
Two seconds. = screechci out the luna
tic.
Without thought. almost without voli-
ton. spoke name. breathing prayer that
| it might he the right one:
| " Nnpp'""q BoonEmYte ~
" Right :" said the mailman. throwing
aside his knife. AMI unlong the eord that
/ held me. Il was mistaken in you, doctor,
You have true genius, this is Your first les
son come ut this hour every evening and I
will teach you the beautiful art-the way TO
immortal fame
As arose from the chair, weak and trem-
bling. the door opened softly and four strong
men entered and secured the maniac. [
started home we'll pleased that had got
through with my first guessing lesson, and
fervently hoping that should never be called
upon to take another.
! u What are you going to do after you