Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1882-06-15
A QUEER FELLOW TRAVELLER.
ATRUE STORY.

Some years ago had occasion to take
long journey to the north-a journey
which would involve my travelling all
night. A few days before 1 had receiv
ed an invitation from friend of mine,
who lived at town which had to pass,
to dine and stay the night at his house
an invitation which gladly accepted, as
it would prove pleasant break in the
monotony of the journey. 1 resolved
therefore to so arrange matters as to ar
rive at his house in time for dinner, and
proceed to my destination next morn
ing. When the day arrived l was very
busy; so, after hurried lunch, l pack
ed up a few necessaries and rushed off
to Euston, where 1 arrived with lust
two minutes to spare. | asked for nv
train, which the guard pointed out, add
ing: you don't hurry up, sir, you'll
lose it." l took his advice, and jumped
into the nearest first-class compartment,
the door of which stood open. and in
which there was but one other occupant.
settled mpself for my journey, and for
the first time had leisure to observe nv
fellow-traveler. Now, 1 rather pride
myself on being judge of physiogno-
my, and my first impressions of him
were the reverse of pleasant. He was
evidently fdgety, nervous sort Of man f:
ne had restless gray eyes, without much
expression in them, while his hair and
beard were of a reddish hue. He was
dressed in long ulster, which | thoueht
quite unnecessary; for though IT was
late In the year the weather was bylno
means cold. There was on the seat be
side him a small oaken box, strongly
Dound with brass; and his ewes were
constantly glancing from this box to me
IN way That did not at all like. be-
gan 10 nave visions of Fenian plots, in
Iernai machines, and / do not know
Wnat-- After regarding me steadily for
few minutes, he said:
is IL possible, sir, that you are not
aware OF this carriage being reserved
for State officials ?"
looked around, and seeing no indi-
cation OF the fact, replied that:
Il was not aware of such being the
case" '"0
Then, sir" he replied, 81 must beg of
you instantly to vacate it, and leave me-
here in solitary silence"
considering that the train was then
going at the rate of about forty miles an
n0ur, and would not stop until if reach
ed small station half way to NV desti-
nation In about an hours time. / copld
not quite see how l was to comply with
nis request, or rather command; and /
frankly told him so, adding that al had
rs much right there as he had. and did
not intend moving"
he replied with most solemn air:
Inen your fate be on your own head. >"
Ihis began to frighten me. for the
mans manner convinced me that he
must De insane; and the prospect of an
hours journey shut up in 'afst-cIass
rairway carriage with a madman was
hol calculated to raise my spirits. How
ever, put bold face on the matter
and affected to be engrossed with INV
newspaper, though in reality wac
watching his every movement He snd.
denly seized hold of the wooden hoy and
held 1t on his knees, mumbling some in,
artlcuiate words. then suddenly replaced
It beside him. In doing so / caught
glimpse of the butt of'a. pistol sticking
out OF his pocket. Here was a pretty
dilemma; shut up in railway. carriage
with man who was decidedly, insane.
and armed with revolver or pistol:
while l had nothing more defensiyethan
an umbEella andsa roll of papers; which.
In consequence of their length. II was
compelled to carry in my hand. Pres
emily he began again:
Have you studied the marvellous
power OF electricrty, may ask ?"
l replied in the negative. ..ss.
Il have" said be; "and have arrived |
~ such pitch of perfection that, aided !