§ 268 Filling a Long-Felt Want
An amateur investigator made a trip to a state lunatic asylum. While strolling about the grounds he happened upon an old man of a benign aspect sitting under a tree.
“Good evening,” said the venerable gentleman. “A stranger here I assume?”
“Yes,” said the caller. “I am. I take it that you, too, are a visitor.”
“Unfortunately,” said the old gentleman, “I am an inmate.”
“But—pardon me—but you don’t look like——” began the astonished stranger.
“I’m not, either,” said the old gentleman. “My son, I am the victim of circumstances. Members of my family coveted my property. On trumped up charges they had me declared of unsound mind, and I was railroaded off from my home and brought to this place where I have ever since been in confinement. And yet, if only the truth were known, I am engaged in a great scientific literary work—an undertaking which has busied me for many years and which, if justice is ever done, will some day make my name famous throughout the English-speaking world.”
“And what, may I ask, is this work?”
“I am engaged,” said the old gentleman, “in compiling a complete index to The Unabridged Dictionary.”