Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-05-30
SELECTED STORY.
A Guess For Life.

A volume could be filed with the
strange decisions entertained by ma Omen
the remarkable persinacity and cum
ming they display in carrying out the
whms of their disordered minds. In
their wild freaks. maniacs frequently
evince method in their planning. an
adroitness and coolness that would Dc
credit to the shrewdest sane person. We
give below thrilling incident which ac-
tually occurred as related, one of the par
ties to it having been prominent Ameri-
can army snrgeon:-
When my regiment was disbanded
babe aoieu to my old comrades and to the
army. and commenced business in the
four!shing town of l.
AS | was starting for the supper table
on the evening of the third day after my
arrival, the door bell rang violently, aud
SO The boy came in and said that a
man wanted TO see the doctor. The
visitor was standing by the fire when
entered. He was tall, powerful man
perfect giant compared to my five feet
six !" and his great and bushv black hair
and WHISPERS were we'll fitted to the mou-
strous 'orm.
"If you are at liberty, DOCTOR" said
he, "please come with me 1t is but a
few steps and you will not need car
riage.'
put on my coat and hat and followed
him. Ii was my first call in Il, and
l fondly hoped it was the forerunner OF
many others.
The man strobe on ahead of me all the
time, notwithstanding my endeavors to
keep at his side. and spoke not a word,
not even answering my questions.
Stopping before substantial looking
residence in one of the principal streets,
he applied the latch key, and led me in to
pleasant little room on the second floor
Ga study l thought it.) hung about with
good paintings and elegant chromos, and
lined with books Of every description.
s.Take seat, doctor," said the man;
II will step out moment Take this
chair by the fire; it's bitter cold night :"
The chair was,a great unwieldy thing,
but exceedingly com Portable. l threw
nv feet upon the fender, and leaned
back on the cushion. well satisfied to
warm myself a little before seeing the
patient.
heard the man approach the door,
which was directly back of where l Sat.
and heard the door open and close again.
I 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 a
handkerchief bound over my mouth SO
quickly that could not prevent it..
When was perfectly secure my con-
ductor stepped 10 front of me and looked
with much interest at my vain attempts
TO free myself. -
GOOD stout cord. inst it = he asked.
TT mas never been broken. and many a
stouter man than you has tried it. There,
now, be quiet while and I will tell you
what | want
He went to cabinet that stood IN the
corner of the room, and taking a long
knife from one of the drawers, ran his
thumb over the edge and felt the point,
all the while talking in the most COM
mouplace manner imaginable.
Il have for years studied the art OF
guessing" said he. II can guess any
thing; that is my guessing chair that you
are sitting in now; and take great pleas
ure in imparting my knowledge to
others. This is what wantof you to-
night. I did intend to makes.you guess
that, but l have thought of something
better"
He had become satisfied with the edge
and point Of his knife, and was pacing