The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1884-07-18
THE MAN IN THE CORNER.

to town and hard work again. trav-
eled by the Flying Dutchman. which
train entered at Bath. As the smok-
ing carriage was inconveniently
crowded, sacrificed tobacco for the
sake of room. and took my seat in an
ordinary compartment, which it
seemed was to have all to myself.
just as the train began to move,
however. my solitude was broken in
upon. The door of the carriage was
thrown open, and man sprang hastily
in. Before he closed the door behind
him another followed in still greater
haste. AS the carriage passed the
guard, who waited on the platform,
ready to Jump upon his van, he gave
the breakers of bylaws an injured look,
but said nothing. In another minute
we were dashiDg along at top speed.
Wondering how people could be so
unphilosophical as to run time SO close
ly, and risk life or limb for the sake of
q minute, | turned to look at my trav-
cling companions. The first conner
had thrown himself into seat opposite
me, at the end of the compartment
farthest from the platform. He was
tall, strong man of about forty,
dressed in dark tweed suit. His face
was strikingly handsome, and his re-
markably brilliant eyes at once attract
ed my notice. The second man, who
sat in the opposite corner. was of very
different appearance. He was short
and stout; his attire was plain black.
As neither of my companions made
any remark to the other as to their mar
row escape of missing the train, con-
cluded they were unacquainted, and
that their simultaneous late arrival was
but chance.
After travelling some little way in
silence, the tall man asked very po-
litely if objected to smoking.
.Not at ALL" l said; blight up by all
means"
i am ashamed to make such a re-
quest but could you give me cigar?
came away in such hurry that L left
my case behind me-"
handed HIM cigar and a match,
and then, as the the third occupant of
the compartment raised no protest, 1
followed my opposite neighbours ex-
ample, contentedIy enough.
A small civility like this generally
breaks the ice which exists between
English travellers, SO as we smoked
we talked on various topics.
My new friend was fluent and polished
speaker, and was evidently well up in
the questions of the day. many of his
remarks concerning which showed orig
lated myself upon meeting with so
pleasant companion.
The man in black did not Join in our
conversation, so we took no notice of
him for awhile. At last. happening to
look once or twice in his direction, l
found that, although his eyes were half
closed, he was watching us intently, but
furtively. Co.,
This inspection did not seem to
trouble my new friend. but l, who am
of a somewhat nervous temperament,
found this fixed and inquisitive gaze
positively annoying. Thinking that its
cause might possibly be our breach of
good manners in smoking without hay
ing asked his permission, expressed a
hope that our cigars were not offend
erS-
Not in the least" he said. quietly.
but with his eyes still turned toward us.
My friend in the tweeds leaned over to
me. Please don't take any notice OF
him." he whispered.
do you know him, them"
''Oh, yes; l know him very well. in
deed. In fact, l must apologize for
bringing him into carriage which was
occupied. He is mad-man-you
needn't be in the least alarmed"
"a mad-mani" 1 said, startled by the
Information so coolly given.
Eyes. l am taking the poor fellow
up to town. Let me introduce myself
L am DR.. Wolfe of the Southmead
Asylum. Perhaps you have heard my
name?'
Of course l had; and as he spoke ]
Cooked at him with growing interest.
DIR. Wolfe and his admirably conducted
establishment were all but world re.
nowned. Now understood why had
noUiced the piercing brilliancy of his
eyes. 1t was the power of these organs
which gave him that extraordinary in
fiuenee OYER his charges which he was
reporte TO exercise. AS | looked at his
strong limbs, and noticed his self-pos-
sessed manner, nervous as / am, 1 felt
no uneasiness in travelling with a mani.
&C, so long as the doctor was with US.
Nevertheless it was unpleasant to be
stared at so.
How came it you so nearly missed
the traing l asked, still in a whisper.
The doctor smiled.
Lone of tho poor fellows peculiari.
ties is that until train is in motion he
will not enter it-even then he Will only
follow me. | am Obliged to humor him
but of course you understand that IN,
men were behind him to make sure tina,
he really did come after me-
As he spoke he gradually raised his
voice to its ordinary pitch. No doubt
the eminent man knew his own business
best but il struck me it was middleton.
80 speak SO freely of his patients lido.
syncrasies while the poor fellow wa:
within earshot-
Cant he hear us?'' / asked doubt
fully.
-1Yes; but he does not understand a
word we say. One form of his mania
Is that he fancies himself some one else
He would never imagine we were dis
eussing his case. / dare say at thi.
moment he is Sir Isaac Newton, Mr.
Spurgeon or Henry irving
Thus assured, yentured to glance .
the mailman, and for moment ON
eyes met fairly. In spite u DR.. Wolfe