The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-12-31
A FEARFUL ORDEAL.
An ACT Of Mercy But It Wrecked
a Life.

three guests through his institution
At certain point he made a partial
pause, and, motioning to the figure OF
man visible in one of the rooms of
the corridor, said: There is one of the
saddest cases that has ever come under
my notice" The person alluded to
was seated in one of the pleasant par
lors of the establishment which lined
the hallway. His hair was gray, and
in his form were symptoms of age
which look at his face belied. There
were no wrinkles, none of the deep
burrows which care will plow in the
human face. The eye was bright, and
had look of gentleness very attractive
to the observer.
"He certainly does not look like a
dangerous Individual, remarked one Of
the guests.
''Dangerous?' replied the superin-
tepdent, The is as harmless as a kitten,
and sometimes / don't believe he is
really insane, but for all that he is bet
ter of where he can be looked after.
You see, he has fits of temporary de-
mentia, during which his excitement
runs awag with him, and he might do
himself some injury, though he would
never raise his hand to harm anyone
else.
''His trouble is very peculiar; he had
an awful experience once in connection
with railway accident and at each re-
turning anniversary of that event he
becomes much depressed, seemingly
only DESTROYS of hiding himself away
from all observation. He is never vio-
lent, but these seasons of depression
are so intense that 1t appears advisable
he should be watched"
Does he ever talk of the event at
other times than at its anniversary"
"Oh, yes, indeed; in fact, at all other
times he seems to enjoy meeting peo-
Pile, and if the subject of accidents
arises in the course of conversation he
IS almost certain to tell his story If
you care to hear it an allusion will
bring out one of the most affecting
stories you have ever heard"
The superintendent was right; on the
way out he said: "Well, Mr.. Martelle,
how are you? Let me introduce some
friends of mine"
After few words of commonplace
conversation, one OF the guests adroitly
led the talk up TO railway disasters by
to something he had seen in
5he morning papers. Martelle was seen
to move uneasily in his chair and to
become visibly agitated. His face
olanched and in voice tremulous with
emotion he began: Gentlemen, YOU
nay not have heard of it, or il YOU
lave, you may have forgotten it, but l
was in railway accident once that has
the whole course of nv life"
Each one present manifested an in
crest in the subject that, while pre-
nedltated, was not in the least
Effected. Thus encouraged he went on:
Il was making my first trip in the
vest l had been through California
md was heading for the Yellowstone
COUNTRY. One day we were whirling
long, everybody IN good spirits, and
had just gone forward into the smok-
ng car and accepted an invitation to
II in game OF whist NY partner
vas tine-looking man, about thirty
i've years old, with a pleasant face
nd voice, and full of good humor.
The game was close, for all happened
o be good players. Each side had one
o its credit and the rubber had been
'egun.
suddenly there was a lurch. a
hook, and then for me there was moth.
1g but q deep Inconsistencies How
ong / remained so cannot tell. but it
ould not have been long. With the
eturn OF my senses came the lznowl- |
dge that l was hurt. There was a |
ain in my back and the blood was |
down my face and neck from |
wound IN the head. ] was living on /
be ground and it was some minutes |
ore l could realize what had hap /
ened Gradually matters became
learer. l remembered the game of
ards and the sudden shock. and then / /
new some dreadful accident had hap
ened. While our game had progressed
light had fallen. and in the dim light 1
'om the stars and several lanterns |
ould see the figures of men moving
bout here and there. and l soon real
ed that they were bearing the forms
killed and wounded TO my locality,
'me distance from the wreck.
The sense of sight had been the first
recover; but now the terrible throb-
ing pain in my head seemed to lull
I'D my hearing became more active.
was an awful sound that broke upon
y ears Shrieks, groaus and plead
gs for help were mingled with cries
children for parents and parents for
iilGren.
= made struggle TO get on my feet.
hough 81 first the pain racLed me
ON head TO foot / found | could
and and was soon walking SLOWLY
I'd carefully about. Naturally nav
rst thought was concerning my friends
the game of whist they being the |