The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1872-07-12
A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE.
BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMMYNG


To the credit of our lunatic asyIums
he it said that it frequently happens
that the huge doors swing back and
allow patients to emerge from the re-
straint within.
The old system of chains, whips, and
starvation has vanished before the en-
lightened legislation of the present
century; though i'm some few asylums
dark deeds are still perpetrated under
the rose. But let us thank Heaven
they are i'm an overwhelming minority.
Whether it was more to Mr.. Sturge's
interest to cover Mr.. John Hardy, OF
whether his sanity became too patent
accidentally to the commissioners it is
difficult to say; but certain it is that
the gentleman was pronounced cured
and permitted to go at large.
Mr.. John Hardy was a Cornish man,
possessing the moderate income of five
hundred year. He possessed a hOmi-
cidal mania, and had attempted to kill
several persons in his native town OF
Tintagel in Cornwall.
Those who called themselves his
friends-relations he had nOne-caused
him to be incarcerated in DIR. Sturge's
asylum, and showed their disinterest-
edness by allowing all his available in
come to be devoted to his support
while under the DOCTORS care.
Mr.. Hardy did not feel himself per-
fectly safe even when his liberty was
granted him. Seeking DIR. Surge, he
explained his motives in asking for
some one to look after him.
"The truth is, DIR. Surge, l want to
be protected from myself"
"But, my dear sir" answered the
doctor, "there is nothing in your case
now which would lead me to apprehend
any return of your complaint"
"You are Mistaken" said Mr.. Hardy,
shaking his head sadly.
"In that case you had better stop
where you are"
"No, not for a thousand worlds, s"
hastily cried Mr.. Hardy.
"Why not? L hope the treatment
"Has been uniformly kind, doctor !;
vet cannot bear to mix with a num-
ber of people who are nOtoriously and
palpably mad. 1t is humiliating and
depressing to live under the same roof
with the poor creatures who have
doubtless been afflicted by Heaven for
some wise purpose.
"Well, sir,n replied the doctor, "you
can do as you please. The Commits
sioners in Lunacy have recommended
me to give you discharge. You have
it, aud can make whatever use you
like oft"
az fully intend to do So" said Mr..
Hardy. "There is, however, one favor
| should like to beg at your hands,
"You have only to name it."
"During my residence here l have
met with much civility from a war
der.u
(Which of them?"
"Hooper."
"Tom Hooperv cried the doctor.
"He is one of my best men,"
al am aware of it, and that is the
reason of the diffidence / feel while
addressing you on this subject. / feel
that 1 should be perfectly happy and
safe-mark me, safe-with Hooper"
"Do understand that you are de-
sirous of taking Hooper with you"
exclaimed the doctor in astonishment.
"You have guessed exactly" replied
Mr.. Hardy with smile. 81 will give
him a liberal salary. He will have
quite 4 sinecure. His principal duty
will consist i'm accompanying me in
my daily walks. He will dine with
me at my own table, and play at some
interesting game, such as cribbage,
chess, or billiards, in the evening"
"Your proposition is one i'm every
way so favorable to Tom Hooper, re-
joined the doctor, "that in justice to
him ! cannot refuse TO communicate
your offyr.'
"You will do so?'
"At once.n
shall await your return with i'm
patience. Use your influence in my
behalf to the best of your ability"
DIR. Surge nodded, and went out of
The room in which the conversation
had taken place.
He met Hooper in one of the cor
ridur-, and stopped him.
Tom was a tail, stout man. Once
upon time he had been very muscu-
lar and strong; but, since his residence
ia the asylum, he had made flesh, fall
en- i.to rather lazy habits, and lost a
great part of his strength.
He was powerful still, and regarded
with more fesr than love by the most
refractory patients. The Others liked
him-indeed, he was general favorite.
Good morning, sir" said Tom, as
Mr.. Surge stopped him.
"Can you spare me a few minutes,
Tom" replied the doctor. ~ have
something to say to you"
Nothing wrong, hope, sir?'
1 hi fn
do here, call another officer"
hung round his waist by a string, and
put it to his lips.
Scarcely had the echoes of the shrill
blast died away, when a warder came
running up. Tom spoke few words
to him, and then followed the doctor
into the central hall.
"You know, Tom, that Hardy is
going out tomorrow ?" began the
doctor.
$50 have heard, sir,n replied Tom.
"He has made a peculiar request.
He says i'm effect that he fears a re-
currence of his fits, and that he shall
not consider himself safe unless you go
with him."
as it me he wants? ?" asked Tom in
surprise.
fYes. Think the matter over well.
/ shall be very loath to part with you,
but this offer is a good one. You can
get what salary in moderation you like
to ask for; you will have little or
nothing to do; and need not say that
you are as welcome as the flowers in
May to come back here whenever you
like"
"On that understanding / think, sir,
with your permission, I'll go and try
it."
Remember that patients subject to
homicidal mania are at times danger
Gus, and never to be thoroughly trust
ed" said the doctor warningly.
"rll be on my guard" replied Tom
Hooper with a knowing smile which
denoted that he thought himself a
match for any lunatic he had ever
come in contact with.
The next day Mr.. Hardy and Tom
left the asylum, standing in the ca
pacity of master and companion, rather
than in that of master and man or
master and valet.
They did not stop i'm the metropolis,
has been before stated, was Mr.. Hardy's
native place.
He was received ioyfully by his old
friends and associates, who were all
glad to see him.
Before he had been afflicted with the
infirmity which placed him in the
ASYLUM under DR.. Sturge's parental
care, he had been celebrated for his