The Owosso times., 1921-06-17
The "Maniacs"
BY HAROLD SINCLAlRE
70. 1924. Western Newspaper Union. }


field was model institution. 1t rep
resented the last word that had beer
uttered UPON the subject of the men
tally deranged. In fact, when 1t cele
brated Its fifth anniversary by garder
party, the governor, the mayor and q
score Of distinguished guests, theil
wives and their friends, walked freely
within the walls.
Thus II happened that two men met
in one Of the spacious corridors, and
made friendly by the festival occasion
and the dinner, at which visitors
guards and patients had sat down to.
gether, entered into conversation.
This Is beautiful place." said the
elder, dignified gentleman wearing q
frock coat and carrying a silk hat in
his hand. Though 1 am mainly re-
spOnsible for it's hPving been created,
l confess that l am astOnished at the
perfection Of all the details"
The other shot keen glance at
him. "You were responsible, sir?" he
asked.
"Yes," said the other. II am Gov
ernor Pike, you know"
I'm very pleased to make your ac-
quaintance, governor" said the other,
grapsing the speakers hand warmly.
II was late for the dinner or I should
have met you before. / am the mayor
or POttsfield - Arthur Jenkinsop
Grubbe."
The first man retreated a step. "In-
deed! Mr.. Mayor, l am delighted to
meet you, even here" he said, with
a forced smile. "Shall we go out
side?'
"Pd prefer to show you something
of our arrangements first, governor"
the other responded.
II suppose you have some interest
ing cases here" the governor said, with
a display of interest. MANY Of them
doubtless think that they are sane."
Most Of them do" answered the
other. "And some Of them imagine
that they are celebrities confined for
political reasons. For instance, out
OH the lawn at this moment there is
man engaged in telling his friends
and acQuaintances that he is Mayor
Arthur Jenkinson Grubbe."
''But he isn't" staMmered the gov
ernor. you are the mayor and no
body else can claim the title. BY the
way, aren't you related to King George
of England?"
Arthur Jenkinson Grubbe stood still
and stared at the other in amazement
"How did you know that?" he whis-
pered huskily. "Yes, I'm his half
he continued, ~ am also half-brother
of King Ferdinand Of Bulgaria.
you amaze mel" responded Gov
ernOr Pike.
"And you-you look as though you
were Of kingly blood" the mayor con-
tinued, with searching glance.
"Yes, yes" said Governor Pike hast
lily. "That is, queenly. l am sister
by marriage Of the princess of Monte
negro"
"Why, that's extraordinary" said the
mayor. "DO you know, there is a lady
In one of these apartments who claims
70 be the princess Of Montenegro her.
self"
my sister" cried the governor. You
amaze mel!
"But to be frank with you, governor
am afraid dreadful error has been
made. You must remedy it,"
81 wish l. could" the governor sighed.
looking backward. 81 think" he STAN
nered, that my uncle-in-law, the duke
Of Saratoga, who is outside, can help
IN this"
mo, no." protested the mayo, TAX
ing the governor by the arm. "She
Is in here reading at this moment.
Here we are"
The outer door of the room at which
hey stopped. slightly ajar, disclosed
an tuner door within, which stood wide
,pen, and heavily barred window
cooking out upon the lawn. The two
men passed through the outer door
md stopped. Suddenly the mayor gave
he governor a violent push which
sent him staggering upon the floor,
the inner door, and pulled
1t the handle Of the outer one.
1t was locked. 1t had closed he
hind them.
Even as the mayor realized this the |
nner door opened and the governor,
white with rage, sprang upon his as
'ailant. at the same time shrieklng at |
he top Of his voice. They fought all |
,ver the room.
"Help! Helpw yelled the governor. |
md the mayor re-echoed his shouts.
They heard answering cries from the |
avn beneath.
Governor Pike!" shouted one, hur- |
'ying toward him. my dear governor,
What has occurred? Who is this manY'
,e continued, turning upon his con-
rere angrily. "How did he get here?
told you 20 keep the violent patients |
n the padded cells all day."
"But-but this Is the mayor, Mr.. |
Arthur JepSInson Grubbe," shouted the
'ther. "T,ds is a hideous mistake,