Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-09-19
WALLED IN A ROOM.

the muslin curtains which bellied out from
the windows in the ballny air could see
patch of blue sky and the tops of green
trees bending lightly in the breeze. Where
was l? 1t seemed like a long dream which
l had had. My head felt empty, my limbs
achei, and could not think
The man gently lifted my head and gave
me 3 few drops of some liquid, which
swal owed with ayidity
We'll, Mr.. Furniss," he said, chow do
you feel now?"
Ell, what" I cried "Where am I?''
''You are in my house, my dear sir, and
we shall take good care of you. Now" he
added, replacing my head on the pillow,
''be quiet and go to sleep"
gazed at him for long time and all, at
once l recognized DR.. Bertram, the cele-
brated specialist in insanity. \ shudder
passed through my frame. Why was l in
DR.. Bertram's hospital instead Of my own
home near Phoenix park, with my herds
and my microscopes around me? His hos
pital vas for mad people!-and that Sister
of Charity, those vials, that bowl of ice
my God, l must be mad! But why? How?
How long have l been here?" ! asked
after time
For four weeks, Mr.. FurnisS. But you
must be quiet and sleep Now do not try
to talk. "
For a month, Was it possible? What
had happened? But even as ! asked my
self these questions little by little ! went
off to sleep, and saw in billowy meadow
road covered with blood and bordered on
each side with monstrous microscopes
shaped ike trees, road on which two lit
tie girls played at pitch and catch with
severed head, while DR.. Bertram, comicailv
bonnete1 with a religious cap, rode astride
of dead body, which reared and pranced
and kicked Kill he could scarcely keep his
seat.
The ext morning was better, and day
by day J improved, though that horrible
nightmare came to me each night. But it
grew less and less distinct. and after few
weeks ii almost ceased 10 trouble me.
One evening the doctor, whom had not
seen during the day, seated himself near
my bed
well, said he, feeling my pulse, you
are doing famously. I'll have you out, as
good as new, i'll a few days. But you have
had close shave. 1t has been one of the
prettiest cases of cerebral congestion ever
handled-a beautiful case. Why, it is
wonder you are alive now. Tell me how
is your memory. Can you remember what
| happened before you were brought herei'
Il don't know; / cannot think. |
have passed through something fearful.
What il Is ! cannot say. From the faint
gllmmer Of recollection that comes TO me
have the sensation of having been dead
murdered! Oh, it is frightful My brain
is weak yet. Then the child-a pretty
golden haired child-rolling on the floor -
Come, come. this will never do" said
the doctor. You can tell me all about il
in the morn
NO; now, DOCTOR" cried. 1T is COM
ing back to me. Yes, have it now"
Here is al exact transcript of my recital
as told it % DR.. Bertram and later to the
magistrate:
You know my passion for natural his
| tory. Well, scarcely "A week passes that
| do not go into the country botanizing
| That day J went to Glacnevin, where, as
| you may know, the marshy meadows are
| rich in curious plants, infusoria and dia-
| toms. ! was returning. and was almost in
| Dublin with my box full of rare specimens
| on which expected 10 make a report that
| would astonish the Botanica society, when
| ! saw little girl, certainly not over five or
| six years old, who was alone, crying as if
| her little heart would break | approached
| her, but at ght of me she redoUbled her
cries. ! could see that the little one was
| lost, and that she did not know where to
! go, SO l spoke 10 her kindly, and by dint
of promising her unlimited bonbons, got
| her TO tell me that her name was Lizzie,
and that She lived in Beresford place in
! Lower Abbey street.
l took her nand. and we soon started of.
talking together Ike old friends. She was
beautiful child. fresh and rosy. with
! great candid eyes and fair hair, which was
| cut short over her eyes and fell in golden
! ringlets abou5 her shoulders. She trottei
| bravely along. her soft little hand in mine
| AS we walked she told me remarkable
tales, in which figured a big black horse, IL
| little knife, doll and a number of people
| did not know.
Lizzie was 'raid she would be scolded
| when she arrived home, but she was not,
| and IL was received with transports by
| her mother, who was half distracted
| Never was gratitude expressed so heartily
and pleasantly Who was ], where did ]
| live, how did happen to find her and a
| Thousand like questions were showered
| upon me.
"Oh, Mr.. Flrniss," said the mother,
you are the savior of my child. How can
| We express our gratitude? We are not
rich, but such a debt cannot be paid in
| gold. How happy my husband will be to
repeat my thanks to you. He is still at
his Office, but-vill you do great kind
ness, will you honor our humble board to-
morrow | shall have savant here like
yourself, and you two will enjoy each
others company am sure. And my bus
band will be so happy to have you"
| / thanked her for the invitation and
| promised to be on hand.
At the appointed hour was shown into
their modest parlor, and you may be sure
| the husbands gratitude was no less warm
| ly expressed than the wife's. And little
Lizzie threw her arms around my neck
and showered OF me the innocent caresses
of happy child. l seemed. indeed, to be
one Of the family.
The dinner was merry one, the savant
seemed to be an Interesting MANN brief,
passed an excellent evening.
The air had been heavy the whole day