s of me,
although I am sure she had no cause." The idea of any one being jealous
of the being before me was so ridiculous that it was with the utmost
difficulty that I refrained from laughter; but, fearing to offend the
crazy man, I maintained my gravity by a strong effort. When he had
finished the story of his misfortunes, he came close to me and said, in
slow measured tones: "And now do you think it any wonder that I went
raving distracted crazy?" "Indeed I do not," said I; "many a one has
gone crazy for less cause." Thinking he might be hungry, I told him I
would direct him to a farm-house, where he would be sure to obtain his
supper. "No," replied he, "this is not one of my hungry days; I find so
many who will give me nothing to eat that when I get the offer of a meal
I always eat whether I am hungry or not, and I have been in luck to-day,
for I have eaten five meals since morning; and now I must lose no more
time, for I have important business with the Governor of Canada and must
reach Quebec to-morrow." I regarded the poor crazy being with a feeling
of pity, as he walked wearily onward, and even the high-heeled boot did
not conceal a painful limp in his gait. But I had not seen the last of
him yet. Some six months after, as I was visiting a friend who lived
several miles distant, who should walk in, about eight o'clock in the
evening, but the "unfortunate man." There had been a slight shower of
rain, but not enough to account for the drenched state of his clothing.
"How did you get so wet?" enquired Mr. ----. "O," replied he, "I was
crossing a brook upon a log, and I slipped off into the water; and it
rained on me at the same time, and between the two, I got a pretty smart
ducking." They brought him some dry clothing, and dried his wet garments
by the kitchen fire, and kindly allowed him to remain for the night. For
several years, this man passed through S. as often as two or three times
during each year. He became so well known in the vicinity, that any one
freely gave him a meal or a night's lodging as often as he sought it.
Every time he came along his mind was occupied by some new fancy, which
seemed to him to be of the utmost importance, and to require prompt
attention. He arrived in S. one bitter cold night in the depth of
winter, and remained for the night with a family who had ever treated
him kindly, and with whom he had often lodged before. He set out early
the next morning to proceed (as he said) on his w