"THE STATUE
He looked up as his secretary entered the office, set some papers on his
desk, and hesitated.
'You have something on your mind,' he pleasantly told her. 'Please sit
down.'
Shyly and gratefully she did so. 'Sometimes,' she started, 'I see you
standing alone near the west fence. You seem to be studying something in
the city park across the street. Maybe you're just relaxing a bit by
watching the games and the picnics. I hope I'm not intruding .... '
'Not at all,' he put her at ease. 'Like to solve the mystery of the
studious boss? Come along with me. We have a few minutes before lunch.'
They were soon in a position next to the company fence which gave a clear
view of the park across the street.
'See that statue?' he asked.
The girl observed a statue of a famous hero of history. It was tall, solid,
impressive. The face was strong and decisive.
'I come here often to take a good look at it,' he told her. 'It serves as a
useful reminder.'
'Reminder?' the girl wondered.
'Of the total insanity of society,' he explained.
'That madman kept millions in terror and bankrupted a nation. Now he's a
hero to his very victims. There should be a sign on it that reads Statue to
a Psychopath.'
The girl replied, 'I've suspected that sinister fact for a long time. I'm
relieved to hear someone come right out and say it. I understand why you
must come here alone.'
He nodded. 'You bring these horrors out into the open and the
demon-worshippers will tear you apart. Maniacs love maniacs.'
They watched as a man stepped in front of the statue. He looked up in
admiration, saluted and walked away.
As they turned to leave he sighed and said, 'Do you know where that man is
heading? Straight for the lunatic asylum. But it will be disguised as
something else. The lunatic asylum will be called a business office or a
social club...or a happy home.'"
Mystery Stories for Winning Happiness
SOLVED The Mystery of Life,
Chap. 2, p. 23 (Original version)
Chap. 2, p. 18 (Current version)
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