The Forrest City times., 1891-02-27
CURING A CRANK.

| "Oh, don't say that. uncle." sai, Lizzie Silver beseechingly. "Yo, know I love you. You are the onl, friend l have in the world. and if yo, were to die what would become of me P 'I suppose young Guy Cheever would console you for my loss," sait Mir. Maddox, grimly. '.At any rate don't care. will end my trouble. and sorrow tomorrow at 2m." And with these fearful words hs strode out of the room. leaving Lizzie sobbing with her curly black head resting on dinner plate. What's the matter now, Bessp Has the milliner disappointed you in your love of a bonneta" asked warm, hearty voice, which was the property of young Guy Cheevers,' as Mir. Maddox called him, as that gentleman strode into the room.
 "Oh, Guy!' sobbed Lizzie. "Uncle Cyrus is going to die tomorrow at 12 o'clock"
 How do you know'" asked Guy.
 "He said so."
 "But how does he knowp"
 He's going to kill himself"
 ''S0 as to make himself true prophet. ehp' asked Guy, laughingly.
 "Oh. Guy. don't jokew cried Lizzie tearfully. "He will Il know ne will"
 Il doubt it.. said Guy. skeptically.
 But he tried to commit suicide several times" persisted Lizzie, fear fully. .'Once he tried to smother himself with burning charcoal, but h e forgot to stop up the keyhole and smelt the smoke and got some neigh bors to break open the door and save him. Then he tried to hang himself, but the cord broke; and he fired a pistol at himself. but he forgot to put n ball in it, so that failed; and then"
 "Gracious!" cried Guy, as Lizzie stopped for want of breath what a determined man he must be! Such perseverance deserves to be rewarded. Have you any idea what plan he will try nowp"
 I'm sure l don't know" said Lizzie. mournfully. Something dreadful. suppose"
 But what does he want to make away with himself for?n asked Guy, wonderingly.
 Why, he says he Is a miserable man. burden to everyone. and that life has no joys for him, and that he is weary Of this world"
 And so would like to try the nextpr said Guy. Perhaps he won't find it so pleasant as the ono he is quitting. What an unreasonable man he must be! He Is rich. talented, healthy, and has very pretty niece" and here, in moment oi abstraction he allowed his arm to wander around Miss Sitver's waist--''and what more eau he wantp But some people never are satisfied. ltseems he is determined to ory into futurity. and it seems pity to dis appoint so laudabe an ambition, but duty duty to myself compels me to interfere. l dislike any scandal or excitement A coroner's jury would cause both. therefore we must balk his little game"
 But howp" asked Lizzie enriously.
 "A prudent general" said Guy, haughtily, never conildes his plans to his army. particularly when the army is of the feminine gcnder; so excuse me, mum's the word. But rest assured. my dearest Elizabeth, that unless your worthy uncle shuffies off this mortal coil in surreptitious manner before IF o'clock tomorrow he will not do it afterward-of course. mean illegally. Farewell till to-m morrow"
 Having concluded this address, Guy strode otf in tragic manner. leaving Lizzie greatly surprised. but still quite reassured. for in her opinion what Guy couldn't do wasn't worth doing.
 The next morning Mir. Maddox made his appearance very saturniue aud gloomy. and ate his breakfast with q mouraful air that was terribly impress sive. Having finished he then took leave of his niece in feeling manner.
 ''! am about to leave you." said he mournfully. Il am about to end this life of misery. hopo that you may be happy
 .Oh. don't go!" said Lizzie. tearlul,y clinging to him and looking into his face pleadingly.
 its useless" said Mir. Maddox firmly. My mind is fixed and noth- ing you can do can persuade me to re- linauish my purpose But you. my dear child. shall not be unprnvided for 1 intend to mako my will in the few hours that arc left me and you will not be forgotten Good-by. my de r child. farewell" and then. after em- bracing his niece fervently. Mir. Mad dox rushed from the room frantically and securely locked himself into his own room and began to prepare him. self for his last journey.
 ''Nine o'clockr he said to himself, ! looking at his watch. Three hours yet! Enough to do all have to do! First 10 make my willr'
 The last will and testament of Cyrus Maddox was evidently not long ono. as it was finished in less than an hour. l Eleven o'clookw said Mir. Maddox, land 1 have finished. How slow the