The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-05-01
Scientific Suicide .

~ am miserable man," said Cyrus
Maddox, gioomIly, ''and it is hest that the
world should be rid 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 have in the
world, and If you were to die what would
become of mc?'
~ suppose young Guy Chcevcrs would
console you for my loss, " said Mr.. Maddox,
grimly.
''At any rate don't care. will end my
troubles and sorrows tomorrow at twelve
O. clock"
And with these fearful words he strobe
out of the room. leaving Lizzie sobbing,
with her curly black head resting on a din
ner,platc:
''Whars the matter now, I'ess2 Has the
milliner disappointed you in your love of a
bonnet" asked warm, hearty voice,
which was the property OF 'syoung Chcv-
crs," as Mr.. Maddox called him--as that
gentleman strobe into the room.
''Oh, Guy" sobbcd Lizzie; "Unclc Cyrus
Is gcing to die tomorrow nj twelve
o'clock.n
GLOW do you know?' asked Gny.
"lIc said So
"But how does he know"
'Ilc's going to kill himself
$50 as to make himself Il true prophet,
OH z" a>ked Guy, laughing.
ooh, Guy, don't joke :" Tizzc, tcartully.
'llc will know he will"
81 doubt it!' said Guy, skcptically.
"Bnt le tried tn commit suicide several
times," persisted Lizzie, tearfully. "Oncc
lie tried to smother himself with burning
charcoal; but he forgot to stop up the key.
hole, and | smclt the smoke and got some
ncighbors to break open the door, and
saved him. Then he tried to hang himself,
but the cord broke, and lie fired pistol at
himsolf but hc forgot to put any ball in ii,
80 that failed, and thcn-----'
''Gracious!" cried Guy, as Lizzie stop
ped for want of breath; "what dctcrmln-
ed man he must be! Such perseverance de-
serves to lie rewarded. Uavcyou any idea
what plan he will try ncxt2"
"l'm sure ! don't know" said Lizzie,
moumfully. "Somcthing dreadful, sup
pose"
'But what does lie want to make away
with himself for?' asked Guy, wondering
ly.
"Why, he says he is a miserable man, n
burden to every one, and that life has no
joys for him, and that he is weary of this
world
"And so would like to try the next:"
said Guy. "Pcrhaps he won't find 1t as
pleasant rs the one he is quitting. What
an unreasonable man he must be! lie is
rich, talented, healthy, and has very
pretty nicce'--herc, in a moment of alb
straction, he allowed his arm to wonder
around Miss Silvcrs waist-''and what more
can he want 2 But some people never are
satisfied. II seems he is determined to pry
into futurity, and it seems pity to disap-
point so laudable al ambition; but duty
duty to myself-compcls nc to interfere.
dislike scandal or excitement. 4 coron-
cr's jury would cause both, therefore we
must balk his little game.
"But howe" asked Lizzie, curiously.
"a prudcnt General" said Guy, haught-
lily, "nevcr confidcs his plans to his army,
particularly when that army is of the FEM
ininc gender-so excuse mo; NUNS the
word; but rest assured, my dearest Eliza
beth, that unless your worthy uncle shuflies
off this mortal coil in a surreptitious man.
ner before twelve o'clock tomorrow, he
will not do il afterward--of coulse I mean
illegally. Farewell till tomorrow.
Having concluded, this address, Guy
strobe off III tragic manner, leaving Liz
zie greatly surprised, but still reassured,
for. in her opinion what Guy could not do
was not worth doing.
The next morning Mr.. Maddox made his
appearance very saturnine and gloomy;
and ate his breakfast with mournful air
that'was terribly impressive. Having fin
ishcd, he then took leave Of his niece in a
feeling manner.
IL am about to leave you," he said,
mournfully. 'I am about to end this life
Of mis- ry. hope you may be happy
ooh, don't CO." said Lizzie, tcarfully,
clinging to Inn, and looking up into his
face pleadingly.
OTIS useless, " said Mr.. Maddox, firmly.
MY mind Is fixed, and nothing you may
say can persuade me to rclinquish my pur-
pose. But you, my dear child, shall not
be unprovidcd for. intend to make nv
will In the fcw hours that arc loft me, and
You will not be forgotten. Good-by, nv
dear child--farewell!" !"-and then, after
embracing his niece fcrvcntly, Mr.. Maddox
rushed from the room frantically and
securely locked himself in his own room,
and began to prepare himself for his last
journey.
'Nine 0 'clock!" hc said to himself look
ing at his watch. "Thrcc hours yet. Enougl,
to do all have to do. First to make my
will"
The last will and testament Of Mr.. Cyrus
Maddox was evidently not q long one, as
1t was finished IN an hour. .ss..ss~ ~se,,e@.ss
"Eicven o'clock" said Mr.. Maddox,
'and have finished. How slow the time
passes to be sure! Now what shall I do
until tw elve O'Clock, for l am detepnincd
not to die until noon"
A knock at the door.