Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-07-21
CHANGING his MIND.
Ihe Thrilling story OF the Wan who
Didn't Commit suicide.

81 am miserable man," said Cyrus
Maddox, gloomily, land it is best that
the world should be rid of my presence.
No one cares for me.
"Oh, don't say that, uncle" said Liz
zic Silver, beseechingly. "You know
how I love YOU. You are the only friend
have in the world, and if you were to
die what would become Of me o.
Il suppose young Guy Cheevers would
console you for my loss" said Mr. Mad
dox grimly. "At any rate, don't care,
will end my troubles and sorrows to-
morrow 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 dinner
plate.
whats the matter now, Bess? Has
the milliner disappointed You in the love
Of n bonnet q asked warm, hearty voice,
the undoubted property of young Guy
Cheevers," MS Mr.. Maddox called him
us that gentleman strobe into the ROOM
"Oh, Gny," sobbed Lizzie, "Uncle
Cyrus is going to lie tomorrow AT twelve
o'clock !"
Glow do you know?' asked Guy.
He said so.
But how does he know
Hes going to kill himself
$50 as to make himself true prophet,
ell 2" asked Guy, laughing.
"Oh, Guy. don't joke p cried Lizzie
tearfully. "IIe will know he will"
II doubt it, said Guy, specifically.
"l1nt he has tried to commit suicide
several times, persisted Lizzy, tearfully.
"Once he tried to smother himself with
burning charcoal, but he forgot to stop
up the keyhole, and l 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 lie
fired pistol at himself, nut he forgot to
put any bah in it, so that failed, and
then
Gracious :" cried Guy as Lizzie stop.
ped for want of breath, "what deter
mined man he must he. Such persever-
rnce deserves to be rewarded. Have you
any idea what plan he will try next?"
I'm sure ] don't know" said Lizzie,
mournfully. Something dreadful I sup
pose.
But what does he want to make away
with himself for - asked Guy, wonder
ingly.
"Wby, he says, he is miserable man.
burden to every one, and that life has
this world"
'And so would like to try the next?'
said Guy. perhaps he won't find it as
pleasant as the one he is quitting. He it
rich, talented. healthy, and has very
pretty niece" here in q moment of alb
stroction, he allowed his arm to wander
around Miss Silyer's waist-"and what
more can he want? But some people
never are satisfied. 1t seems he is deter
mined to pry into fntnrity, and it seems
pity to disappoint SO laudable an ambi
ton, but duty-duty to myself compeli
me to interfere. | dislike scandal OF ox
element. A coroner's jury would cause
both, therefore we must balk his littl,
game"
But how will you do it ?" asked Liz
zie, curiously.
"a prudent general, said Guy, haught
lily, "never confides his plans to his army
particularly when that army is Of til,
feminine gender-so excuse me ; NUM-
the word; but rest assured, my dea
Elizabeth, that unless your worthy incl,
shuiiles off this mortal coil in surrepti
tious manner before twelve o'clock to
morrow, he will not do it afterward-o
course, mean illegally Farewell til
tomorrow.
Having concluded this address, Gu,
strobe off i'll tragic manner, leaving
Lizzie greatly surprised, but still quit
treasured, for in her opinion what Gu,
could not do was not worth doing
The next morning Mr.. Maddox made hi
appearance very saturuine and gloomy
and ate his breakfast with mournful al
that was terribly impressive. Havin
finished eating, he then took leave of hi
niece in feeling manner.
81 am about to leave you, he said
mournfnlly 81 am about to put an en-
to this miserable life. hope that yo
may ever be happy"
"Oh, don't go, said Lizzie, fearful
clinging to him and looking up into hi
face pleadingly.
''It's useless, said Mr.. Maddox, firm
ly. my mind is fixed, and nothing yo
may say can persuade me to relinquis
my purpose. But you, my dear child
shall not lie ilnprovided for. / intend
make my will III the few hours that ai
left me, and you will not be forgotten
Goodbye, my dear child-farewell |" an
then after embracing his niece fervently
Mr.. Maddox rushed from the room fran
tically, and securely locked himself in hi
own room, and began to prepare himsel
for his last journey.
"Nine O'clock" he said to himself
looking at his watch. "Three hours vel
Enough to do all have to do. First,
make my will.
The last will and testament of MI