AN EXCITING ADVENTURE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1131, 9 August 1913, Page 4

AN EXCITING ADVENTURE.

* WITH A MAD DOCTOR

All St. Petersburg is talking of an exciting incident which occurred recently in an asylum, and of the narrow escape of the hero, a commercial magnate named M. Sergeieff.

The brother of cue of M. Sergeieff’s friends became insane, and M. Sergeieff undertook to visit the asylum at Odelnain, situated a few miles from St. Petersburg, in order that he might arrange with the director concerning the removal of the patient, as his friend himself was stricken down by illness. When M. Sergeieff arrived at the asylum he was invited to wait in an arbour, as the director was engaged at the moment. The visitor waited about a quarter of an hour, when a well-dressed man walked in and asked if M. Sergeieff was seeking the director. On receiving an answer in the affirmative the stranger stated that he was the “chief doctor” of the asylum, and asked the nature of M. Sergeieff’s business. On learning the cause of M. Sergeieff’s journey the “doctor” sat a few moments apparently considering the best plan for the removal of the patient and then suddenly remarked : “You have suffered for some time from sleeplessness?” “Yes,” answered M. Sergeieff, who was not a little surprised.

“And you had headaches ?” “Yes ; but really I do not know what ”

“Oh, it’s all right. I suppose you had belter be placed in the second division. You will have a cold shower bath every day, plenty of food and 12 hours’ walk.” “But you are mistaken, I am here on behalf of my friend, and I myself am perfectly sane,” exclaimed M. Sefgeieff, who was now sorry that he had consented to visit the asylum.

“Oh, they all say so, but be good enough to follow me.” “I refuse,’ 5 exclaimed Sergeieff. “I am perfectly sane. Allow me to telephone home.’’ “Your friend telephoned hall-an-hour ago, and your case is perfectly clear,’’ replied the “doctor.” “If you resist we shall be compelled to use the straight jacket. Be reasonable.” M. Sergeieff jumped to his feet, determined to make a desperate resistance, but the “doctor” grasped both his hands. A desperate struggle appeared to be inevitable, when the sound of footsteps was heard, and the director of the institution appeared on the scene and whistled. On hearing the signal the “doctor” at once loosened bis grasp of M. Sergeieff and took to his heels. The director explained that M. Sergeiff’s assailant was a mad doctor who had escaped from his room.