The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-05-15
Written for The ArkdnsdW Troreler. 4 Narrowing Experience.
By Gid Whitcomb.
ID BE CONTINUED

Don't call me for breakfast in the morning. This instruction was given to a servant in the hall who had just shown the speaker into the room which l occupied on the third floor of the ho- tel. The new conner closed and secured the door, deposited his valise and over coat on the floor and turned up the gas, while l, who had been awakened by his entrance, lay blinking at the light which glared in my face. As the clerk had toid me they were crowded and he would probably have to put some one else in my room when the l2:40 express arrived, l was not surprised or alarmed at this midnight intrusion.
 The stranger was man of perhaps thirty years of age; he was above me- dium height, of athletic build, clean shaved except light blonde moustache, and had the manner and general ap- pearance which would lead casual ob- server to denominate him as one of that variegated class commonly known as commercial tourists. Having completed my mental criticism of him I was about to close my eyes and endeavor to resume my much need repose-as had to take the train at four a. m.-when catching for the first time good view of his face in the light 1 noticed a gloomy and troubled look upon his countenance. It was evident that great weight of sor- row, some galling burden of grief, rested upon his mind. His was not the weary and jaded look of one who is worn out with long travel No; it was sad, gloomy and Respondent, yet fierce, de- termined and desperate. It was calcu- lated to arouse the curiosity and sym pathy but at the same time to overawe the prying scrutiny and to repel the protfered sympathy of the observer Though at first somewhat vexed at be- ing abruptly aroused and kept awake at this hour of the night by this uninvited guest and roommate, my impatience had now given way to curiosity and l lay in silent wonder, eyeing the strange man, who had not yet taken any notice of me or seemed to be aware of my presence, Nothing but excessive men, tai torture and great travail of spirit could produce on the countenance an expression so pitiably sad yet so fright fully desperate. As in gloomy and med itative silence he undressed himself with considerable effort drew off his trim, narrow-toed gaiters and prepared to retire, I wondered what mighty grief it was that had fastened itself upon him; what wrongs had he suffered what dis appointment encountered, or what crime had he committed that now arose like a gaunt spectre before him and wrung his soul in torture? He at last seemed ready to retire but instead of doing so, opened his valise which lay at his feet and, after rummaging over its contents awhile took out a razor and began strap ping it on the palm of his hand As I looked at his face, now darker and more determined than ever, at the bright blade which glittered in the light, and at his neck, now barred to his breast, an appalling probability flashed into my mind: Is he about to end his sufferings-to quiet the bangs of remorse with the horrible and cowardly crime of selfmurder? Is he about to thrust his blackened soul into the presence of his Maker with this crowning act of wickedness? Am I to witness horrible and bloody deed? could scarcely restrain myself from springing up and crying out yet almost feared to breathe lest I should attract his attention. Transfxed with terror and alarm, lay, convulsively clutching the butt of my revolver beneath my pill low and watching his every motion, as with demoniacal deliberation he con-