Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-18
A LIVING DEATH.
TIE MIRACULOUS RESCUE OF EMILY
cRoYOGN FROM AN ASYLUM.
Imprisoned by Her stcpfathcr as Luna
tic 20 Get Her Fortune-Dlsco.ered
by ffer Lover.



II was pleasure indeed to be at
home again after three years exploring
the Arctic SHOWS, and the fact that |
was about TO meet my old love, Emily
Croydon, again made me doubly eager
10 get back. felt a sudden chill run
over me when / came 10 her house.
Her stepfaiher, Joshua Penthroop, a
man ] had never liked, was standing in
the doorway.
"Where is Emily ?" / asked, eagerly.
"Mss Croydon has been dead over
year" he replied in cold, measured
tones
That was all he said. ] cannot re-
member how found strength enough 10
tottcr away on hearing this dreadful
piece OF news. but when | had recovered
fomcwhat / found myself IN the house
Of an old friend.
From bin learned that Emily Croy-
den had gone n wear and half ago on
journey with Mr. Pcnthroop in search
az health, and that she had died during
the tour.
This calamity had proved too much
for the poor mother 70 bear, ana hr.
Penthroop returned home 10 find her
dead. leaving bin solo possessor OF the
home end fortune 10 which he had sue
ceeded on Emily's death.
PRIVATE INSANE ASYLUM.
After that could not endure to live Mt
homo Int wandered away from one
place 10 another trying to find some oc-
cupafion that would divert my mind
IRON the past. AT last | took position
rs assistant in Dr. Durltys private in-
sane asylum.
Il was not by any means sinecure.
Indeed. after the first few days | bad the
caro- II the whole establishment except
the paIt assigned to especial cases, 10
whom no one had access except the Doe
tor himself and an old female servant as
ugly as Hecate and az silent as the
grave. This portion of the building
had no connection with the rest, and the
grounds adjacent TO It were inclosed 10y
a separate wall through which entrance
was hy q gate which was always kept Sc
curcly fastened.
Dr. Durity had never invited me TO
visit this part OF the establishment-had
never spoken of It. indced-and was
too much occupied with my own duties
10 indulge in curiosity.
One dav, however, during my hour OF
nu,door-exercis., IN passing the gate
already mentioned, i noticed that the
kew was IN the lock, thing that ! had
never observed before. | had never
been forbidden to enter this part of the
grounds and saw no harm in stepping
inside and taking IA look around. The
gate was unlocked and, pushing 1t open,
passed IN.
MS ENGAGEMENT RING.
Before me was wing of the main
building. whose walls were pierced with
tiers of barred windows from which the
yieS was quite intercepted by the high
surrounding wing. 4 gravel walk ran
round the wall. and along 1T l was
eaunterug slowly, when / heard some-
thing drop at my feet Looking down
saw q small gold ring which fastened
20 pick up.
Judge Of nv surprise at recognizing
the token of ou- engagement which had
given Emily the day that | babe her
g0odb Whence now this souvenir OF
the deal past
depressing an outcry TO which | had
almost given vent III the violence OF my
excitement, I looked mp quickly and
glanciug rapidly along the rows of mar
row windows, behind the bars OF the
topmost tier saw pale, worn face, at
the sight of which / started as though 1T
had been an apparition. The face was
that of Emily Croydon
MUTE SIGN.
would have called out but che
placed her fingers her lips and pointed
towards the pnrtly open gate with a ges-
iure which could not fail 90 understand.
II meant that should depart, keeping
nv own counsel till | had secured the
means of her release. Making sign to
show my comprehension, | obeyed, softly
81 sing the gate after me. Emilys safe
~. perhaps her life, depended upon the
present coucoa'ment of my discovery.
The one glance of her face dispelled
any doubt rs 60 her sanity. Her wicked
etcpiather it was evident, had coined
the story OF her death for his own selfish
ends, ami was carrying out the fraud
through the and of an INSCRIPTIONS &C
comphce, who would stick at nothing to
avoid eXposure.
had gone bat little way when |
heard the gate opcnand saw the serving
woman cominy out. She seemed fright
encd on discovering the key, which she
quickly pockettd after locking the gate,
mean while eyeing NE suspciously.
pretended not to heed, ana she passed
on.
10 was nearly dark when I returned to
the asylum / had been absent several
hours IN TACT. and when | went 10 the
Doctors room. ostensbly TO make out
my evening report. he was beginning q
Iepnmand, when | cut him short.
TIRE RESCUE.
81 have made a discovery to-day,
Doctor" | said.
"Ah, indeed ?" he replied, q little
neryously, 1 thought
"Ihere Is "a young lady imprisoned
here" / continued, "a Miss Croydon,
MAbll 4ltl 0tN iii@tttk MUS llN NpANtAiSh'
to conceal, while pretending she Is
dead.
The Doctors face turned livid.
"You speak iusolentIy," he replied
with an effort at brayado. 81 have nc
patients here save by lawful right"
"But the lady l speak of Is not in
sane"
"Tho lady you speak Of probably
thinks the same; most crazy people
do.
"Will you release her voluntarily auC
nj once - | demanded.
His answer WAS a sneering smile.
My reply was signal. which wa
quickly followed by a sheriti7s officer anC
assistants armed with the proper writ.
"Will YOU conduct these gentlemen L
Miss Croyden's apartments | asked
cor must they force their way
The villain quailed IN the presence o
The law, and before many minutes hel(
Emily sobbing IN my arms.
Joshua Pentbroop did not wait HI
stepdaughters return, hut vacated a