" Wondering if there was any truth in
this horrible story, or if it was only the creation of his own diseased
mind, I said, merely to see what he would say next, "What caused your
wife to drown herself; was she crazy too?" "Oh no," replied he, "she was
not crazy, but she was worse than that; for she was jealous 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.
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