AN EXCITING CHASE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13751, 17 June 1913, Page 2

AN EXCITING CHASE.

Tho oscapo of a mad inmate from the Spalding Workhoiise led to an exciting chase round 'the'fens of Lincolnshire. Frightened by illusions he crept stealthily out of bed, and squeezed himself out through a small window. Ho had only a nightshirt on. Having thus gained an o:nt ho climbed over soino spiked railings and dashed for the open country. The porter and an able-bodied inmato gave chase. Later tho muster, together with tho inspector of police and a constable, also joined in tho chase on

bicyclos. Ho ran across fields for miles, and besides jumping over hedges and 'dykes, swam across three rivers. After thus travelling awhile ho discarded his nightshirt, and continued his career stark naked for a consider-

able distance, until he carno tip to an old man who was busy riddling potaties. Having scared tho old man away he picked up a sack, rent holes in its

end and sidos for head and arms, donned the sack, and continued his wayward journey in this primitive garb. After, a circuitous : ;r,outo of about sixteen to eighteen miles he came to a villago school. The children had all left, but tho lady teacher was there, and sho detained tho man in conversation and listened patiently to his frantic story of being chased by people who thirsted for his blood. She signalled to tho pursuers, who were by this time coming up, and the runaway was captured after a chase lasting some five hours.