The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-03-21
PHYSICIAN NERVE
GAINS CRAZY MAN.
THRILLING NIGHT EXPERIENCE
IN DIR. RICHARDSON'S HOME.
Insane Visitor who Rouses the Doctor
at 2 am. Challenges Him to Fight
Duel-''Very Well, Tfen, Good
Night His Answer to the Physi-
clans Refusal.

DR.. 0. K. Richardson, 304 Masonic
Temple, had nerve-racking experience
in his home, 1913 Dupont avenue S, at
2 O'Clock this morning. He had re-
tired at IL, and was IN sound sleep
when. the door bell, which is in his
sleepingroom, rang. Climbing drowsi-
y out Of bed he went to the speaking
"Hello, who's there and what
wanted?" .".s
els DR.. Richardson in7' was the in
tefrrr99g{}a!tory answer. :
=, ~ mMa 3o: ! speak with you for mo-
Certainly said the doctor, think
medical service. He put on his slip
pers and robe and went down stairs,
stopping on the landing to turn on the
electric lights in the hall and library.
He opened the front door, but could see
no one. Then a man stepped out from
the shadow into the glare Of the vesti-
"Won;t you come inq'' said DR..
Richardson.
The stranger entered. He was a
middle-aged man, with a dark nous
tache, rather shabby clothes, and felt
hat, which he carried in his hand.
"Step right into the library and be
seated, will you9' said the doctor.
The man dropped into a deep Norris
several seconds, and then said in a low
| tone:
"Doctor, I am Catholic. You are
enemies.'' He stopped short and
watched DR.. Richardson, who stood at
the other end of the long libary table.
"Not necessarily said the doctor,
| pleasantly. cit does not seem to ME
eyes, it does, too,' snapped the
man. He half rose from his chair and
staring wildly at the physician looked
frightfully menacing. Then, composing
himself quickly, he sank back into the
chair. The doctor knew now that his
visitor was not in his right mind. HI
resumed:
','Now I must confess, sir, that do
not quite understand you and your
visit here tonight''
81 have said that we are enemies,
is that not enough?
"No,' said the doctor pleasantly,
cit IS = most unsatisfactory explana-
ton: There is not the slightest-''
"Yes, there u.s." snapped the man in
angry tones again. 81 have said that
we are enemies, and, doctor, 1 have
come here to challenge you to fight a
tor, laughing. He confessed this
morning that he was quaking in his
slippers and really felt the cold chilIs
run down his back. He says he really
can It understand how he talked as he
did to. the stranger, whom he expected
to spring upon him.
MPjght duel with you. You ask me
that" lie was sparring for time now
"Before | think of your proposition
seriously. I want to comprehend your
position better. Besides, you know, we
haven't any seconds here and We
Wouldn It want to wake any of oul
friends lends up at this unholy hour, to ac1
" l will not parley," said the man
again rising from his chair and lean
ing over the table toward the physician
IT have singled you out and I must
have an answer now. We are enemies
and you must fight me-. Do you accept
the challenge or not.'
The doctor answered in as calm tone!
as possible, keeping his eye on every
II f Certainly Wv will II''e not accept you,
would { fight you.o He 't didn t know
how this reply would affect the crazy
man.
en ",Very wei, then' if that is you
The answer coming in low tone Of
keen disappointment, surprised DR.
Richardson more than fight woule
have done.
"That 8 my answer,' said the doc
tor, as pleasantly as he could.
every well, then,' repeated the mar
with resignation. "I shall be goin@
now doctor. I am sorry that T called
SO late, but I couldn It find the house
have been looking for it all evening
Good night, doctor.' And he walked
quietly out of the house. DR.. Richard
son says that when the door had closed
behind the man he felt SO weak anc
cold that he could hardly ascend thu
stairs.
He sat in a nervous state in the libra
ry, with all the lights on, for more thar
an hour, when the special night watch
man, strolled past, swinging his club
the doctor hailed him. After hearing
the physician's description Of the ex
perience, the officer said:
"Shure and 1 wisht you d "a helt
him till I got around.'
"For MYSELF said the doctor, I an
glad I got rid Of him SO easily.'