Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-09-01
HE CHANGED HIS MIND,


Il am a miserable man. said Cyrus
Maddox, gloomily, ''and it is best that the
world should be nd of my presence No
one cares for me-
''Oh, don't say that, uncle" said Lizzie
Silver, beseechingly. "You know love
you. You are the only friend l have in
the world, and il you were to die, what
would become of mel
Il suppose young Guy Cheevers would
console you for my loss, " said Mr.. Maddox
grimly.
AT any rate, don't care. will end
my troubles and sorrows tomorrow al l2-
O'Clock"
And with these fearful words, he strobe
out of the room, leaving Lizzie sobbing,
with her curly black head resting on din
ner plate.
'What' the matter now, Bess: Has the
milliner disappointed you in the love of
a bonnetl" asked a warm, hearty voice,
which was the property Of young Guy
Cheevers,'' as Mr. Maddox called him-as
that gentleman strobe into the room.
''Oh, GUY" sobbed Lizzie, Uncle Cyrus
is going to die tomorrow at - O'Clock" "
"How do you knowl" asked Guy.
''He said so.''
''But how does he knowi"
''He's going to kill himself"
$50 as to make himself true prophet,
eh?'" asked Guy laughing.
"Oh, Guy, don't joke" cried Lizzie,
tearfully. He will know he will
81 doubt it," said Guy skeptioally.
but he tried TO commit suicide several
times" persisted Lizzie, tearfully. ''Once
he tried to smother himself with burning
charcoal; but he forgot to stop up the key
hole, and | smelt the smoke and got some
neighbors to break open the door, and save
him. Then he tried to hang himself, but
the cord broke, and he fired pistol al
himself, but be forgot to put any ball in it,
90 that failed, and then"
Gracious" cried Guy, as Lizzie stopped
for want OF breath; ''what a determined
man he must be- Such perseverance de-
serves to be rewarded. Have you any ides
what plan ne will try next"
I'm sure 1 don't know said Lizzie,
mournfully. Something dreadful, sup
pose"
ssBut what does he want TO make away
with himself fort" asked Guy wondering,
ly.
why, he says he is miserable man,
burden to every one, and that life has nc
ioys for him, and that he is weary OF THU
world"
"And SO would like TO try the nextr
said GUY. ''Perhaps he won't find 1t a'
pleasant as the one he is quitting. Wha'
an unreasonable man he must be. lie II
rich, talented, healthy, and has very
pretty neice"-here, in a moment oil ao'
straction, he allowed his arm to WANDER
around Miss Silvers waist-''and wha'
more can he wanti Bat some people
never are satisfied. 1t seems he is deter
mined to DRY into futurity, and it seems
pity to disappoint so laudable an ambition
but duty-duty to myself compels me to In
terrere. I dislike scandal or excitement a
coroner's jury would cause both, thereior'
We must balk his little game"
.eBut how will you do itl" asked Lizzie
curiously.
"a prudent General, said Guy, haugh
t,ly, s.never confides his plans to his army
paricularly when that army is OF the femi
nine pender-so excuse me; NUNS IN
word: but res, assured, my dear Elizaoeth
that unless your worthy uncle shuffies oil
this mortal coil in surreptitious manne
before l2 O'Clock tomorrow, he VIII no
do IT afterward-of course mean iiiegahy
Farewell, till tomorrow"
Having concluded this address, Du.
s,rode off in a tragic manner, leaving LIZ
me greatly surprised, but still quite reas
sured, for in her opinion what Guy coui'
not do. was not worth doing.
The next morning Mr.. Maddox made nj
appearance very saturnine and gloomy al. an
ATE his breakfa with mournful air tna
was terribly impressive. Having finishe'
eating, he then took leave OF bis niece In
feeling manner. "a
.J am about to leave you" he saio
mournfully. 81 am about to put an emo
This miserable life. hope that you ma
ever be happy" ,,ur
..Ob don't CO." said Lizzie teariuiiy
clinging to him and looking up INTO Ill
face pleadingly. s.n,,,
"It's useless. . said Mr.. Maddox nrmis
.eMv mind is fixed, and nothing you iuA
saw can persuade me to relinquish my pul
nose But you, my dear child. snal ~
be dnprovided for. intend to. to make ,as, mn m
will. in the few hours that are lei' M !
and YOU will not be forgotten. oo0o-''