The Washington times., 1903-04-26

it was, they were at loss how to turn
their victory to account.
If master and Kaddour could manage
to hold this villain said Virgil. I
can get some rope and have them all
bound in trice-''
Quite right. answered Norbert,
hand US over your charge, and make
haste
Virgil did as he was bid Selling the
already half strangIed Wagner by the
neck. he bought him over to Norbert
and Kaddour. who gripped hold Of him
without slackening their grasp of the
other two
Take the lantern with you" shouted
Norbert. Don't lose a minute
Virgil obeyed and disappeared into the
storeroom. The prisoners at once strug-
gIed madIy to escape. but they reckon
ed without their host. for Kaddour could
easily have settled them all.
IL you dare to move again will
throttle you" he said, squeezing their
throats. and chuckHng horribly. The
savage threat had the desired effect;
not one dared to move again.
Virgil had already returned with
rope. He cut off several lengths with
his pocket knife. and in few minutes
the three prisoners. strung together in
a row like sausages, were placed stand
ing against the wall The fight had so
exhausted them they said not word,
but submitted silently
Quick now. the respirators.' said
Norbert.
Then he continued:
we will fasten them on their chests.
and carry these rascals to the para
chute"
What" cried Kaddour. DO you
mean to take them after this attempt Of
thefrs?"
Their attempt has nothing to do with
he question" replied Norbert. These
men ough. TO be judged and sentenced
by a regular tribunal have vowed
that the world shall know what they
have done. and I will keep my VOW.
Come, Virgil, bring the respirators, and
let rs make an end Of it once and for
all
The Algerian soldier obeyed with
military Dromptness, but Kaddour was
not going 10 be sileneed,
1T is incredible!" he said. When you
have ready TO your hand such an easy
way of furnishing them. how can you take
the trouble TO drag them down TO anoth-
er tribunal? You shall leave them here
Have they not, by this last mean
treachery. lost all title to your indul-
gence? Think you. had the tables been
turned that they would have saved you?"
I do not model my conduct on
theirs" replied Norbert coldly, Not
another word, Kaddour; these men are to
come with US. It is true that they are
vile wretches. the blacklist villains ever
seen, perhaps, But it shall never be
said that I took upon myself TO leave
them exiled on the moon. with the in
evftabIe prospect of death from sunoea-
ton.
Virgil came back with the respirators.
and. fastening one on each prisoner, put
the mouthpieces over their faces.
Take this one first" said Norbert,
pointing to Peter Gryphins-
Virgil took him up. but the dwarf did
not move.
Il suppose I must help you. since Kad-
dour won't said Norbert, STOPPING down
to grasp the legs Of the bound man.
But the dwarf planted himself at the
door and muttered hoarsely:
These men shall not go out from
here: will not have it,"
"Kaddour. have you lost your senses? -
said Norbert, sternly I am master
here and these men shall 90 out
Not if can prevent lt?" replied the
dwarf.
10 you mean to employ force?" said
Norbert.
Certainly. if it is necessary"
'Kaddour. I did not expect you to re
bel, Have you forgotten our relative
positions and the fidelity yoa promised
me? I am sorry to be Obliged to re-
MINI you of your protestauons. But you
are acting il a way that is quite incon-
sistent with your duty"
This appeal went home, for Kaddour's
eyes hlled with tears But he did not
move or inch.
Thinking he vas perhaps ashamed,
Norbert signed 10 Virgil to take up Pc
ter Cryphius by the shoulders while ne
grasped his feet. But Kaddour would
not WELD
1T costs me more than I can say to
appear ungratefuI and to disobey you.
he said. sorrowfully. But these men
shall not 90 out from here while live
They belong to me and do not feel in