The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1899-08-31

Some two years ago while on visit
to a friend of mine, who is employed
as gymnasium instructor in Chicago,
a party of friends had gathered at his
bachelor quarters and the subject of
long-distance cycling, ETC., was intro
duced. Then arose a great argument
as to the possibility of man going
without sleep for several days and
nights. My friend then related the
following story, which he claimed as
true, for he acted as second to the
principal:
"In the year 1S93," he began, "while l
was in New York, attended gather
ing of a few friends at one of the lead
ing clubs, and the matter of human
endurance was freely discussed.
Prudden, now deceased, gave as his
opinion that six days was the limit of
human endurance without insanity in
a more or less pronounced form super
vening. He said he had privately
tested some of the most likely men of
the day, and had offered them goodiy
prize if they could withstand the claims
OF morpheus for nearly week, but
which none had accomplished Chas.
Schmidt, who had hitherto taken little
part in the discussion, here joined in
with
"'Well, Mr.. Prudden, just two years
ago young fellow l know intimately
went sleepless for between six and
seven days, and from that day to this
has suffered no ill effects
"1n answer to Prudden's inquiries,
Schmidt answered that it was himself
that did it, and was willing to try it
again. The matter was soon arranged.
and the last week of September, at
Prudden's country house, were the date
and place fixed for the event. Schmidt
selected myself and Miller as his as
sistants; Snow was to act as referee,
while Ness and Robbins were to look
after Prudden's interest.
Gas agreed, the party selected met at
Prudden's country house on Friday,
September 20th; but were informed by
Prudden that it would take few days
longer to fix up the gymnasium.
"On Friday the 9th day of Septem-
Der, he asked us to follow him as the
gymnasium was then ready. After
taking us down a flight of stairs, along
narrow passage and through several
iron-bOund doors, we found ourselves
in the 'gymnasium,' in reality large
cellar extending under the most part
of the house with a bath room and bed
room adjunct. The usual parapher-
MALTA of a gymnasium were conspic-
ously wanting. The rooms were
however well furnished and splendidly
illuminated by acetyline gas from sixty
four jets, the WhiteneSS of the flame
of which harmonized with the walls
which were painted dazzling white.
At the northeast and southwest cor
ners closely woven curtains, also of
white, partitioned off small portions Of
the room, and when we expressed our
surprise, Prudden pressed a knob in
the wall and the curtains slid to the
side. The two corners were fitted up
similarly. In each, on a massive iron
stand, was large sphere constructed
of closely woven steel about three feet
in diameter. Near the bottom was a
splgOt or cock on which hung small
pail about five inches deem and
two in diameter. The globe we looked
at was empty, but when asked to in
spect the other we found it was full
almost to the top with bright glittering
silver ten cent pieces.
"To say that we were astonished
would be putting it mild. Prudden
then addressing Schmidt, said:
"'That globe contains million ten
cent pieces, which you can have if you
carry out the little task of carrying