The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1902-01-02
An Adventure
in China ~ ~
Copyright. 1901, by Authors Syndicate.)

4 MAN stands outside the walls of
"A the legation having just closed
an interview with the American min
lister, and standing there he expert
/ ences sense of relief at the accom-
plishment of his mission, at the same
time being unable to resist feeling
Of triumph. He feels that it is not
given to many to outwit eastern di-
I plomacy and oriental craft.
He has been chosen for this deli
cate and dangerous work chiefly on
account Of his familiarity with the
topography of the country, having, il,
his college vacations. accompanied Il
friend who was engaged in civil en-
cheering in China, while devoting
his own researches to ancient manu-
scripts of eastern poetry.
Walking slowly and thoughtfully
through the streets of the Imperial
City, he recalls the anxious, wan
faces of the legationers, who had
waited with such patience for help in
their more than dangerous situation,
and now, just as they were beginning
to lose hope, and all seemed dark, he
felt exultant over the fact that he
had been the means 81 casting ray
Of light on their gloom.
His exultation, however. is destined
to be shortlived He suddenly feels
himself caught from behind, strong
B grip upon his throat. and, though he
d struggles valiantly, he soon finds re-
sistance to be useless. He feels that
death stares him in the face, but it
developed later that his nationality
preserved him from such danger.
II seemed that the authorities had
become suspicious and desired to ex-
tort from him any knowledge that he
might possess. They had no wish to
kill him. as his disappearance might
excite inquiry. They had not yet lost
all sense of future danger.
They were averse to adopting any
ordinary means of torture, as it
might leave signs which would fortify
his subsequent complaint and cry for
vengeance.
Therefore, with oriental subtlety,
they apply the sleep torture.
The sleep torture! Could mind Of
man conceive more excruciating ag-
ony? The victim is suspended in a
strong sill1en net swung from the
ceiling by slender cord of silk. 1t
efectually confines its tenant.
He is excessively wretched, for he
has inadequate room.
Attendants are in evidence whose
duty it is to prevent sleep. They are
not to permit moments uncon-
tciousness.
For more than As hours the prison
er has not slept. Beginning at this
time, one of the attendants who pos
sessed psychic powers, thus describes
his sensations:
The man Is In pain. His limbs ache. He
oppressed with WEAKNESS. More than
.hs dreadful desire overcomes him. 1t
"a longing for sleep. He cries out to his
socs. out they do not answer. He wonders
WY this suffering has come upon him.
ne grappes with it as with a mad ami
mai Still there is no relief.
NOW he passes out of this condition for
nlue while He becomes aware of bodily
tured
ncomes frst just above the eyes. What
mat paln?' he cries. A knife of molten
NAi Is thrust into his skull. The point
NJ. saAs ard is imbedded there. 1t spreads
.sae -. QUICKSILVER. His nerves shout and pro-
- ~ utterly. The knife tries to regain its
sA'' II thrusts its haft within the
i,suu. inu. Inc man feels such agony that his
NJ i;euage supplies no words He cannot
nor die, he wonders if within his grasp
.eno has seized him.
Nnnot cannot tell more for the man has no
~ The noiseless lips with which
NJ ulaih would speak are closed, and on
ns.sa, al comes seal. coined with blood
With unknown signs.
n. ane man thinks again. Riding upon
IA, enus ne sees faint specks. They are
thss 'nu piack like those of SCOT. So soft
ria mat pain is not. Yet they be-
lions anu confuse. They increase to mill
Anrs rom out the upper lid in troopius
Ives they pour. and falling down con.
hrs .ie world. He thinks they come from
iefs ns within his temples, whose fires
IL nSseeaslngly this procession of gloom
rrayay ~ ior change, and answering his
hikes rss comes quickly. Each speck
nent : s.h ~ Il brighter hue. and in mo-
fhey hse OF lire pervades them all
ne ssa. with g'owins flames and now
tears ate scorched and scanned with
: thoughts change so that he for.