St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1885-03-14

EtYou must also remember, Tom, that
il would never do to die deliberately, in
the way we both wish to die, without
leaving to the world our reason for the
act. You would not wish your name to
be bv-word and be cause of derision
to any one, am sure; and am certain
l don't wish my own to be so. There
fore. we must draw out our reasons Tor
dying"
of that3"
..Well, then, first put your knife down
set to work I've plenty OF paper IN
my bag and plenty of lead in my pen
eli, and we've the whole night before
u.s.
A tremble in my hand, q culver in my
voice, would have been fatal. 1 opened
the bag and drew forth the writing
paper. The knife was on the cushion
at my side.
sNow, Tom, let us first state our rea-
sons to the world, for wishing to die to-
night by our own hands. If you will
dictate to me your reasons | will write
them down, and then we will revise and
| correct them. After that will dictate
nv own to you and you shall write
| them. We shall be able to do our work
| well and quickly"
| "Ouite right, Jack; we ought to give
them our reasons. How odd that |
| never thought of that! Let me see; if |
kill you first might write them out att
erward."
"Ah, but who will write out mine?
Don't be selfish, there's a good chap:
s9To be sure! Well, are you ready?'
He began debating long and hoWery
sentences. Now and again interrupted
his flow of language to gain time. This
kept him thoroughly occupied and IN
terested, while the train sped on at ex-
press rate. He had nearly finished his
| long, rambling dictation, when to my
inexpressible delight felt the speed
of the train slackening l knew my
chance of deliyerance was near.
sRead over for yourself what | have
written" I said to him. 1.-The carriage
is very close-a little fresh air will do US
good. will make any correction you
may require. "
| sat on the knife and reached over to
lower the glass. A slight fumbling ne
cessitated my rising to manage better,
and the knife was in my left hand con-
cealed under my coat. [ turned around
Ito look at my old friend, and saw him
intently trying to read my scribble by
the light of the lamp, seemingl ~ uncon-
scious of the stopping of the train. In
another moment the glass descended.
the knife dropped upon the platform,
nv hand was thrust through the win
dow and on the handle Of the door.
The train nearly stopped as | jumped
out, shut the door and held the handle
firmly. Poor Raven was then quite en-
crossed with what I had written for
him. I called the guard, and secretly
and quietly the porters were assembled
over the platform at the door OF the
carriage. "Come, Tom, this is Swim.
ton! Let us have a cup of coffee
called him through the window.
In that moment the spell was broken
saw him look for his knife. then rush
to the window at the opposite side, but
we were too quick and too powerful fol
him. The guard, two porters and
jumped into the Garage, and he was
secured.
NV best friend, with brilliant future
before him and in the ripe portion o
! his life, was raving maniac, and has
, remained so--insane from that time
one of the many victims to overwork.
I need scarcely add the case which
Raven had represented to me as calling
him to Exeter was an entire fabrication
!, and was invented by him as part of TIN
scheme which, in his madness, he hat
no doubt seriously imagined would be TO
the benefit of us both.
That terrible night can never b
eHfaced from my memory, and cal
never sufficiently congratulate mysel
on having SO fortunately thought OF tn
, expedient which answered SO admirabi,
-s'Writing for life. ''-BostoTs Globe.