Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-06-17

what do you mean "' L replied, re
solving if possible to gain time and trust
ing that presently an orderly might pass
and relieve me from the terrible dilemms
in which l stood.
"Let me out!" he repeated. 81 have
been too long in this vile place. l want tt
rejoin my regiment, to see poor old mother
and Mary, my sweetheart. Why am
here? am not mad like the Others Goo
knows that, SO do you. But if am KEEP
much longer shall be stark-staring mad
Let me out, say!'
He was now boiling over with frenzy
Still l kept my ground. 'sMathews,
said, 81 know that you are not mad, so lis
am not the head-doctor. can't act with
out his orders Your removal has beer
recommended by him. I'll 60 and consult
him now.''
s'No, you won't, indeed"
"Well, can't release you. It would be
as much as my commission is worth to con
nive at your escape. I should be tried b.
court-martial and cashiered, if not worse
That you must be aware of"
ssThat's no matter to me. I'll make you
See thisp' He opened the loose pea-jacket
he wore, and, to my horror, took from
within it round paving stone of some
pounds in weight, such as the courtyard O
the building was paved with. How he hao
managed to obtain and to secrete it was
anothermystery. A cold perspiration broke
out upon me. My life seemed to be hang
ing by the slenderest of threads. | had ne
means of defense. The rules prevented my
taking into the interior of the asylum even
a walking-stick, and man to man the man
lac was taller and stronger than I.
The soldier raised the stone in his up
lifted hands and held it over my head
which was protected only by my regulation
forage-cap. I expected every instant thai
l should be crushed beneath it, but still the
man seemed irresolute to strike. Their
while, Democles-lle, the missile hung
above me, a sudden idea flashed across my
mind: "What if I try to dodge him?
''Put down that stonen' ] cried out.
"Let me out, then," he answered.
"Put down that stone, and I will. But
first declare that you will tell no one who
did it or how it was DONE"
"Doctor, 1 swearr' And then, to my
linexplicable relief, he lowered his RAISED
hands.
looked round once again really to spy
if any official was in sight; but in such a
sly, covert way as to make Mathews believe
that l feared an eves-dropper.
'You know the locality outside of the
barracks
eyes. l was stationed here some years
ago with my regiment.
| "Well, this door (pointing to one which
was close to us) leads down short passage
to another exit opening on to the Denes."
He was now ali earsNevery nerve strained
to hear what L had to tell him.
| tHarn to lQ this lyau - I rlI1t into bis
stretched-out hahd one that happened to
have in my pocket; forgot to what it be-
longed but knew that it wouldn't open
no lock inside the asylum. He grasped it
eagerly and at the same time dashing the
paving-stone on the floor.
"What then, sir ?'' he asked in less ex-
cited tones.
"This. With my pass-key shall let you
into the passage. Grope your way for a
yard or two down, feel for the lock of the
outer door, open it.with this key andes
cape"
"You will tell no one that am gone
take no steps to have me caught Re.
member this: If am brought back | will
murder you"
''Mathews! if you escape by the method
| have pointed out no one shall know it. !"
"You are the soldiers friendr' he re-
Piled. 'Let me shake hands with you,
sir.''
| did net feel happy when found my
palm wrung within his but quickly open
ed the door alluded to, and without the
least shadow of suspicion he entered i'm
mediately. Once he was fairly in, | pulled
it to with bang which shook the very
walls. He was inclosed in a bathroom.
The Strain of excitement over, reaction
came on. felt sick and faint, and knew
no more until saw one of the officials and
my servant STOPPING over me. The former,
going his rounds, had found me lying on
the floor; and as soon as l came to my SEN
ses, told them what had happened; and
steps were taken to have Mathews so watch
ed that in future paving-stones would never
again be in his possession. took care also
never again to perambulate the asylum
without my orderly escort.