Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-06-09
GaIes ailo Skfiftts.
A eUsER EELLswlRlvELER
A True sroRr.

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 had received
an invitation from a friend of mine, who
lived at town which had to pass, to
dine and stay the night at his house; an
invitation which l gladly accepted. as it
would prove pleasant break in the mo-
notony of the journey. resolved. there
fore. to 80 arrange matters as to arrive
at his house in time for dinner. and pro-
coed to my destination next morning.
When the day arrived was very busy
20. after hurried lunch, packed up a
few necessaries and rushed of to Euston,
where I arrived with just two minutes to
spare. ] asked for my train, which the
conductor pointed out, adding. IF you
don't hurry up. sir you'll lose IT." took
his advice and jumped into the nearest
car. the door Of which stood open. and in
which there was but one other occupant.
! settled myself for my journey, and for
the first time had leasure to observe my
fellow traveller. Nov rather pride my
self on being judge Of physiognomy.
and my first impressions Of him were the
reverse Of pleasant. He was evidently
less gray eyes. without much expression
in them; while his hair was reddish hue.
He was dressed in long ulster, which
thought quite unnecessary, for, though it
was late In the year, the weather was bv
no means cold. There was on the seat be-
side him q small oaken box. strongly
bound with brass and his eyes were con-
stAntly glsncing from this box to me in
yvav that did mot Of al lilo r houap o.,
have visions of plots. internal machines,
and do not know what After regarding
me steadily for few minutes. he said
is 1t possible, sir, that you are not
aware of this car being reserved for State
officials ?''
looked around. and seeing no indica-
sion OF the fact, replied that
Il was not aware Of such being the
case.''
Then, sir" he replied. Il must beg of
you instantly to vacate it. and leave me
here Ia solitary silence"
Considering that the train was going at
the rate of about 40 miles an hour, and
would not stop until 1t reached a small
station half way to my destination in
about an hours time, | could not quite
see why | should comply with his re-
quest, or rather command; and frankly
told him SO. adding that / had as much
right there as he had, and did not intend
moving"
He replied with most solemn air:
Then your fate be on your own head"
This began to Brighten me, for the mans
manner convinced me that he must be in
sane; and the prospect of ar hours Jour-
ney in car with mailman was not cal
culated to raise my spirits. However, |
put bold face on the matter. and affected
to be engrossed with my newspaper,
though in reality was watching his every
movement. He suddenly seized hold of
the wooden box and held it on his knees,
mumbling some inarticllate words, then
suddenly replaced it beside him. In do
ing 20 caught glimpse of the butt of
pistol sticking out of his pocket had
nothing more defensive than an umbrella
and roll of papers, which. in conse-
quence Of their length, | was compelled
to carry in my hand. Presently he began
again.
Have you studied the marvellous pow
ers Of electricity, may ask ?''
replied in the negative.
IL have" said he; land have arrived
at such pitch Of perfection that. aidedbv
the contents of this box. could blow this
train and everybody in it to infnitesimal
atoms"
But" hazarded, ..how about YOUR
selfp"
81 should calmly mount into the air and
survey the scene without injury"
'.IIOw ?" said I.
That" he replied, lis my business;
look to YOURSELF
Pleasant this, for me However. |
made some remark which seemed to salts
fy him; and he lapsed again into silence.
felt more than ever convinced of his mad.
ness, thinking he had probably escaped
from some private asylum. for he was
evidently gentleman: yet | could not
understand what the box could be which
ne guarded so jealously. felt very sor-
ry for him, in spite of my dangerous situ-
alton. l then tried another tack, and
made several commonplace remarks to
him; to all of which he answered in mono
syllables. suddenly bursting out with:
'Do you dare to address me. sir, with
out having first disclosed TO me who you
arer Your tcmerity surprises met
thought it best to humor him, and
handed him my card, on which was in
scribed: ~ B. Smith,"
"Ha, guessed you were a Smith; you
look like one; blacksmith. if l may
judge by the smuts on your face. Here
he broke into = maniacal laugh. When
he had finished laughing. he said: do
you want to know who | amp"
l said l thought might as well know
his name. If he did not mind.
'.Well." said he, leaning forward, and
peering into my eyes, keeping one hand
on the box. "when you first jumped into
the carriage was the Khan of Tartary;
but the wonders of electricity are such
that l am even now changing may be
anybody in few hours. or even minutes"
l suppose looked surprised. for he went
on: "Ah, you look surprised; but per-
haps, you will hardly believe that my
temper quite depends on who may hap
pen to be. Not long ago I was convers-
ing with some friends. and l suddenly
changed into the King of Siam. and be-
fore they could get out Of my way / bit
three of their fingers off, You should
have seen them scatter. Ha. ha. har'
Good gracious ~ exclaimed. ..You
don't mean itp''
''Oh, yes, do; but do not be alarmed.
/ never am so dangerous unless happen