Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1884-08-17
looked, and Cursed my stupidity for mis-.

looked, and Cursed my stupidity for mis-
reading his knowing glances.
The expression of relief which crossed my
face doubtlessly showed my late torInentor
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 felt
sure he was trying to effect. said nothing,
| but awaited the uIshot with anxiety. Look
| ing at his powerful frame it scend doubtful
| il the united strength Of myself and the man
in the corner would suffice to overpower him
il he turned FESTIVE.
knew we would be getting very near
Swindon. The inpostor must also have
known it, as he began 10 fdget about.
Presently he whispered:
an case the poor fellow grows trouble
some, / may rely upon you:"
:Undoubtedy," replied Just then tl,s
shriil whistle sounded
@Do you happen to have e key about your
he asked. Il should like TO lock the door this
siden
"The door is locked said, leaning my
| arm on the window-sill At the same time
| noticed that the man in black had edged UP
TWO seats nearer 10 U.s.
As the train steamed slowly along the wide
platform, an elderly man, with a face full of
anxiety, peered into our carriage; then, lay
| ing his hand upon the door handle, ne ran
side by side with us until we came to a halt.
"Swindon Swindonl' 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 me beseechingly, tried to sta,nmer
out few words. Suddenly he made dash
for the door. ! stood up ready TO render
what assistance / could. My aid was not
wanted The man in black barred the way
fearlessly and grasping the other by the arm
| said sterIily:
Now, Mr. Leicester, no nonsense Sit
| down at Cnce!n
His words had pitiable effect upon the
| mailman. He covered into a seat and
covered his eyes with his hands. Poor fellow,
l forgavc him freely for all the pangs he had
| caused me.
The carriage door opened and the man in
| black exchanged reassuring nod with the
gentleman outside.
Now, Mr. Leicester he said, in kinder
tones, IF you will behave yourself we will go
up and dine with my old friend, DR.. Smith,
end return Dy an evening tfaln.
He led his unresisting patient from the car
riage. On the step he turned: Gould You
| wait until the next train he asked Il
should like 10 see you and explain matters.
l waited. In half an hours time the man
in black appeared. He was profuse in his
| apologies, He told me that business had that
| morning taken him to Bath station, where,
just as the train waS about to start,
| he caught sight Of one of
his patients who had evidently
evaded his keeper entering first-class car
| riage Without moments hesitation h.
followed him as he ran down the platform,
! calling out TO his man TO telegraph to DR.
Smith, at Swindon, to meet Lin with help.
| The rest | knew.
is he Violent" | asked.
Sometimes Il was just touch-and 20
when the train stopped, ] was glad to see
him sit down again.
"But why not have stopped the train at
| once.7
Then we must have had a scene | know
YOU will pardon me when say that such an
outburst on his part might have absolutely
destroyed what chance of recovery he has. l
only act in my patients interest, so you must
forgive me"
ne iiauc ILLS Ttsltu'Sb - euiuSsty tiAit i
forgave him unreservedly.
Beside he continued, lit is only
now and then he shows insanity.
thought you would find him simply an
agreeable and intelligent companion.
For a clever man be is, and, had his reason
been spared. be would have ranked high as
an imaginative writer; unluckily, to-day,
with some idea of facilitating his escape, he
took to romancing and tried to stand in my
shoes. Had you not found out the truth,
believe the reports you would have spread
about concerning my system would have
ruined me" And the doctor laughed heartily.
"Good-by," he said, shaking my hand.
@When you come again to our parts be sure
and call upon me; if only,"-and his eyes
twinkled-"to be assured rs to the state Of
your mind, and the chances against those
sleeping symptoms ever developing