The Washington times., 1906-05-13

AAAAA-HNAA eAAAN ~ ~ eA4AIN ~
asylum.
Yes, so Il was: and for the simplest
reason in the world. A chum OF ours,
Tom. by name. had lately been snatch
ed from the midst OF US and sent 10 a
private institution OF this sort. Wa
had all three come together at an
army-coaching place.
To he quite candid about Il. there
was a strong suspicion Of foul play on
the part OF Toms uncle, a retired
major at the head OF the establish
ment: who hoped ultimately to have
the handling Of his nephew's consider
able fortune.
We had continued TO let the captive
know that a rescue would be attennpt-
ed We felt that 81 we could get into
actual touch with him. ana have the
full particulars OF the case. we could
soon act him free But there was no
doing this BY ordinary means. Formal
visits Of the sort that take place be-
fore witnesses, who are also spies, were
quite out OF the question. Only long
confidential intercourse. for a period
with the wronged man. free from all
supervision, could give Us what we
wanted to make a case OF redress.
Sam was naturally OF a chivaIrous,
not TO say Quixotic turn.
'In do IT," he said one day when We
had talked over ways and means FOR
the hundredth time. IN sham eccen-
tricity TIL I get them to run me into
the same lookup. Then. as soon as
I get poor Toms story. III make Eng
land too hot to hold them till they
let him out"
Absurd"
Nothing Of the kind; the most prao-
teal proceeding IN the world
Suppose they don't put you into the
same asylum"
There's no other IN twenty miles.
The same doctors-and they will be
the same. no doubt-ths same jury"
''Rldiculous."
But to condescend TO particulars.
Why?"
Il never heard Of such a thing"
"Oh. as to that Eddicott-weu. I'm
going TO have a shy at II. anyway. I
shall start shamming mad tomorrow.
and mind you. back me up"
i don't like the looks Of It, It's too
wild"
DO drop thinking so much about
yourself. my dear fellow. What about
the under dog7"
But where do I come in as a back
err"
''In this way. Your cue Is. I've been
very funny lately. though you haven't
cared to speak about II; and I ought
really TO keep this side up with care"
He quite knew what he wanted.
only half knew what I did not want.
It is hardly necessary TO state the re-
suit. 7 agreed TO stand IN with him.
and was the only person IN the Sc
crSs
Next morning he entered into the
business or losing his wits with the
most stupendous gravity. He began
gently TO develop a bit Of unreason-
ableness that would have tried the
temper Of a saint. He muddIad his
work. sulked when they tried 10 help
him and finally stormed under A mild
rehuke. lie was clever enough. n
course. 10 make It easy going at first.
He suffered the storm to pass off IN
a At Of gentle melancholy that spoiled
our bridge party that evening and sent
most or us miserable to bed. 7 wished
him good night when he was taking
his candle. but he cut me dead.
Next day he was better. only he
wouldn't speak TO soul. except in
answer to a question. lie did his work.
wrote his letters. hut insisted on TAX
ng them % the post And he broke
10 the bridge party again by spending
he evening in what seemed TO be eIab-
,rate preparations for making his Will.
They had the family doctor-not the
mad one as yet-to luncheon next day.
The artful patient veered round into
perfect propriety for the occasion and
alked like a book. The doctor looked
'uzzled: the wicked uncle foolish. But
Is soon as the man OF science had
zone away. leaving a confidential
prescription for golf, poor Sam worked
ID an entirely one-sided quarrel with
he butler and asked him II he wanted
o fight.
II wish could see more Into your
anne" I said, when we met tha, night
Why"
Well, you are SO Off and on, hot
nd cold You're mad enough when
here's nobody looking. but the mo-
nent they send for a witness you
night give points to dove"
That's my low cunning. The IN
ane are the greatest hypocrites alive.