The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-12-18
A FEARFUL ORDEAL.
An Act of Mercy But 1t Wrecked
Lifo.

At certain point he made Il partial
pause, and motioninS to the figure of
a man visible in one of the rooms off
She corridor, said: There is one of the
saddest cases that hNs ever come under
sny notice" The person alluded to
was seated in one of the pleasant par
Tors of the establishment which lined
fhe hallway. His hair was gray, and
in his form were symptoms of age
which look at his face belicd There
were no wrinkles, none of the deep
burrows which care will plow in the
human face. The eye Vas bright, and
had a look of Gentleness very attractive
10 the observer.
HE certainly does not look like
dangerous Individual, remarked one of
che guests
Dangerous" replied the superin-
tendent, "he is as harmless as kitten,
and sometimes l don't believe he is
really insane, but for all that he is bet
ter off where he can be looked after
You see, he has fits of temporary de-
mentia, during which his excitement
runs away with him, and he might do
himself some injury, though he would
never raise his hand to harm anyone
else.
Ills trouble is very peculiar; he had
an awful experience once in connection
with Il 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. IIsiS never vio-
lent, but these seasons of depression
are SO intense that it appears advisable
Ihe 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-
pie, 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 ont 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
3ed the talk up To railway disasters by
referring to something he had seen in
the morning papers. MartcLc was seen
TO move uacasily in his chair and to
become visibly agitated. His face
blanched and in voice tremulOus with
emotion he began: Gentlemen, you
may not have heard of it, or if you
nave, you may have forgotten it, but
was in a railway accident once that has
changed the whole course of my life"
Each one present manifested an in
Gercst in the subject that, while pre-
ncditated, was not in the least
affected. Thus encouraged he went on:
II was making my first trip in the
west | had been through California
and was heading for the Yellowstone
country. One day we were whirling
along, everybody in good spirits, and
had just gone forward into the smok-
ing car and accepted an invitation to
sit in Il game of whist. Ny partner
was II finc-looltinS man, about thirty
1--we years old, with a pleasant face
and voice, and full of good hunor.
Thc game was close, for all happened
60 be good players. Each side had one
20 its credit and the rubber had been
Begun.
|'Sudlenly there was lurch, a
shock, and then for rye there was moth
ing but Il deep Inconsistencies How
Iong | remained so cannot tell, but it
could not have been long. With the
return Of my senses came the knowl-
edge that | was hurt. There was a
pain in my back and the blood was
trickling down my face and neck from
n wound in the head. was lying on
1he ground and it was some minutes
fore | could realize what had hap
pcned. Gradually matters became
clearer. | remembered the game of
cards and the sudden shock, and then
knew some dreadful accident had hap
pencd While our game had progressed
hight had fallen, and in the dim light
from the stars ana several lanterns |
could see the figures of men moving
about here and there. and | soon real
izcd that they We're hearing the forms
of killed and wounded to my locality,
some distance from the wreck.
The sense of sight had been the first
TO recover; but now the terrible throb-
oing pain in my head seemed to lull
anu my utCtltuS IiltIC uCGlNC.
1t was an awful sound that broke upon
any cars. Shricks, groans and plead
Angs for help were mingled with cries
of children for parents and parents for
children.
Il made a struggle to get on my feet.
Though at first the pain rackcd me
from head to foot, | found | could
stand, and was soon walking slowly
and carefully about. Naturally my
first thought was concerning my friends
in the game of whist, they being the
only acquaintanccs | had on the train.
Almost as The moment 1 thought of
them two of them came to me- They
w9:rc uninjured, and it had been their
sands shat had carried me from the Car
Nhilc was unconscious.
ut took bat minute for my friends