St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-08-09
much ike a chuckle proceeding Hron

much ike @ cnucKle proceeding 1rUm
/ the other corner of the carriage. I
! turned, and once more encountered the
eyes of the supposed lunatic; in a sec
ond / knew the whole truth. Fool that
was to have been bamboozled by an
artful mailman, let alone frightened
out of my senses by his ridiculous as
sertions Even the feeling of relief |
experienced did not compensate for the
annoyance of having been so complete
| " tricked. The conditions of the two
travellers were absolutely reversed.
| The Glib, self-styled doctor was the
patient: the poor creature whose hands
were said to be red with the blood of
his amiablc wife and twin babies was
either DR.. Wolfe or some one of his en-
ploy. Now that the scales had fallen
from my eyes, it was curious how diff
ferent the man in the corner looked,
and L cursed my stupidity in misread'
ing his knowing glances.
The expression of relief which crossed
my face doubtless showed my late tor
mentor that he had committed himself.
He relapsed into silence and pretended
to sleep; though no doubt his fertile,
but erratic, brain was busy Matching
some other preposterous scheme, in
order to facilitate the escape which I
! felt sure he was trying to effect. lsaid
nothing, but awaited the upshot with
anxiety Looking at his powerful
/ frame, it seemed doubtful if the united
strength Of myself and the man in the
corner would suffice to oVerpower him
if he turned FESTIVE.
/ knew we must be getting neal
Swindon. The impostor must also
have known it, as he begin TO tidget
about. Presently he whispered:
sin case the poor fellow grows
troublesome, may rely upon you2''
Undoubtedly" / replied. Just then
the shrill whistle sounded.
do you happen to have a key about
you?" he asked. Il should like to lock
the door this side
'sThe door is locked y said, leaning
my arm on the window-sill. At tho
same time | noticed that the man in
black had edged up two seats nearer to
us.
AS the train steamed slowly along tho
wide platform, an elderly man, with a
face full of anxiety, peered into our
carriage; then, laying his hand upon
the door handle, he ran side by side
with us until we came to a halt.
'sSwindon! Swindon!'' shouted the
porter The tall man began to show
signs of great agitation He glanced
from door to door, twisted his fingers
nervously, then, turning his eyes to mo
beseechingly, tried to stammer out a
few words. Suddenly he made dash
for the door. | stood up ready to rem
der what assistance I could. My aid
was not wanted The man in black
barred the way fearlessly, and, grasp
inc the other by the arm, said sternly:
CHOW, Mr.. Leicester, no nonsense!
Sit down at oncel" His words had a
pitiable effect upon the mailman. He
covered into seat and covered his
eyes with his hands. Poor fellow! I
forgaye him freely for all the pangs he
had caused me.
The carriage door opened, and the
man in black exchanged a reassuring
nod with the gentleman outside
''Now, Mr.. Leicester he said, in
kinder tones, ..if you will behave your
self, we will 90 up and dine with my
old friend, Dr.. Smith, and return by an
evening train
He led his unresisting patient from
the carriage. On the step he turned:
"Could you wait until the next tramp
he asked Il should like to see YOU
and explain matters.
[ waited. In half an hours time the
man in black reappeared. He was pro-
fuse in his apologies. He told me that
business had that morning taken him
to Bath Station, where. justas the train
was about to start, he caught sight of
one of his patients (who had evidently
evaded his keeper entering q tirst-class
carriage. Without moments hesita-
ton he followed him as he ran down the
platform, calling out to his man to tel
egraph to DR.. Smith, at SWindon, to
meet him with help. The rest l knew.
is he yiolent?" I asked.
Sometimes. 1t was lust touch-and-
go when the train stopped / was glad
to see him sit down again.
''But why not have stopped the train
atonce?'
''Then we must have had scene.
know you viii pardon ne when [ say
that such an outburst on his part might
absolutely destroy what chance of re-
coyery he has. I only act in my pa
tents interest, so you must forgive
me-
He made this request so earnestly that
| forgave him unreseryedly.
Besides, he continued, cit is only
now and then that he shows insanity. I |
thought you would find him simply an
agreeable and intelligent companion.
For a clever man he is, and had his
reason be sparcdhe would have ranked
high as an imaginative writer. IN
luckily, to-day, with some idea of facil-
itating his escape, he took to romano
ing and tried to stand in my shoes.
Had you not found OFT the truth, 7 be- |
lieVR the rpnnrtS Won un.1lA hn,rn c,,1.nnd |