Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1884-04-29

script, or previously agreed upon between the
parties: - i..;..sI.
you are not mad, so listen amomsnt.
How can 1 get you out2 am not the
head-doctor, 1 can't act without his
orders. Your removal has been rex
commended by him. I'll SO and een-
suit him now.
'' No, you won't, indeed. !" 3e
"Well, 1 can't release you. It
would be as much as my commission
is worth to ccnniye at your escape.
1 should be tried by courtmartial and
cashiered, IF not worse. That you
must be aware Of - II
"That's no matter to me. I'll
make you I See thisI'' He opened the
loose pea-jacket he wore, and, to my
horror, took from within it. a round
paving-stone of some pounds in
weight, such as s4l4eeeartyard of tho
building was paved With 7I9oNd had
he mana9edLto obtain andrseGrete IS
was another mystery. .-~- :,
A cold Precipitation broke out'upoD
me. My life seemed to be hanging
by the slenderest Of threads I7hatl
no means of defense. The rules pre-
vented my taking into the interior OF
the asylum even awalkinglstick, ana
man to man the nianidc was taller and
stronger than
The soldier ralisedE the stone in his
uplifted hands mn held it over my
head, which was. protected only by
my regulation forage-cap. IeXpect-
ed every instant that should be
crushed Ibs4esth ts bqtistiIl the man
seemed irGesQlute to strike. Then
While, D6dtoc ocles-Eikc, the missile hung
above ne nea'suddcn fdcn flashed across
me: "What ii t-try to dodge HING"
g Put down that stone ~ / cried
out.
"Let me out thcn!" he answered.
Put down that stone, and 1 will.
But first declare that you will tellono
one who did it or how it was doue.'
doctor, t.swear!" And then,t
my inexplfcablc. relief, he lowered his
raised hands.
I looked round onco again rcalIyto
spy if any official was in sight; but
in such sly, covert way rs to make
Mathews believe thatI feared ancavGs-
dropper.
t You know the locality outside Of
the barraclss?'
!" Yes. l was stationed here some
years ago with my regiment. I"
Z" Well, this door (pointing to ono
which was close to us) leads dowh
short passage to another exit opening
or to the Dencs.' .
Aewas noNitTatI ears-evcry nerve
strained toahear what I had To- tell
' . neFEc, Z take. i5 tREEs IL; key. 1.,1;at 1p;aat
into his stfetched-out hand ono that
/ happehed to have in my pocket; /
forgot to whatif belonged, but knew
that it wouldn'tsopapl no eloqk inside
the asylum. He graspcd it eagerly
and at the same time dashed the phY-
ing-stonc on the floor. 5--54
g What then, sir?" he asked in less
excited tones.
"Ihis. With my pass-kcy shall
let you into the passage. Grope your
way for yard or two down, feel for
the lock of the Otter door, open it
with this key and-cscapc.
4" You will tell no one I am gonc-
take no steps to have me caught? Re-
member this: If am brought back
will murder you"
1" Nathewsl if you escape by tho
method have pointed out no one .
shall know it. . s.
You arc the soldiers fricndI" IC
replied. ' Let me shake hands with
you, sir"
L did not feel happy when 1 fotind
my palm wrung within his, but L
quickly opened the door alluded to,
and without the least shadow of sus-
picion he enteredimmediatcIy. Once
he was fairly in, pulled it TO with
bang which shook the very walls. lIc
was inclosed in bathroom.
The strain of excitement over re-
action came on. felt sick and faint,
aud 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 1 came to my
senses, told them what had hap-
pencd; and steps were taken to have
Mathews so watched that III future
pavingsstoncs would never again be
in his possession. 1 took care also
never again to pcrambulatct the asylum
without my orderly escort.
Az AvARIcIous AGE.-A great
many people call the present age an
n,,or;I,;o,,o 800 rT,l.