The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-10-26
CHAPTER XII
CContinued.)

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Sewer went into the next room
and returned with a box of polish
ed wood about a foot in diameter,
which he placed upon the table. In
three more journeys he brought
out the six glass cells of an electric
| battery, and proceeded to twist
| their wires together, connecting the
terminals with the wooden box.
Elliott, GREATNESS, watch these
preparations from where he sat.
The missionary was to be tortured
with the current from a strong in
| duction coil.
Laurie struggled violently when
| they came to tie his elbows to the
arms of the chair but he was easily
overpowered The ends of the in
sulated wires terminated in brass
strips and they bound these upon
the under side of mis- wrists.
+ AN right" said Carlton, calmly.
Turn it on
A rapid buzzing arose from the
box, and the missionary's body was
| agitated by strong spasm. His
| shoulders heaved stiffly, and his
whole body strained tensely against
the strap across his chest till the
leather creaked. But he kept his
teeth tight shut.
| Under this direct attack he had
evidently summoned up the cour-
age that had made him one of the
most intrepid of the pioneers of the
Cross in heathendom. Sewer shut
off the current.
Are you ready to tell us now?"
demanded the adventurer.
NO" said the missionary, be-
tween his teeth,
| Elliott admired the old mans de-
termination and wondered. He tried
hard to free khimself without be-
ing observed, and lacerated his
wrists, but could not get a shade
of purchase on his bonds
"a peg stronger this time" ad-
vised Carlton, relighting his pipe.
The contact-breaker buzzed again
and Laurie strained against the
strap. His whole body twitched
frightfully under his bonds, and
his heels drummed upon the floor.
Elliott looked on in impotent hor-
rOr
ooh, here! l can't stand this!"
said Sewer, averting his eyes.
Shut off. Now will you TALK"
said Carlton.
Laurie made no answer but lay
heavily back, his muscles stlh
twitching. They waited; he gasped
systematically, but did not speak.
| "Again-and a little more cur
rent" commanded Carlton, and Sc
vier obeyed with look of disgust.
Lauri's form was torn by a terrible
CONFUSION and an inarticulate cry
came from his lips. The coil buzzed
| for almost two minutes.
| Give him a moment Carlton
said, without emotion. "Now will
you tell us? Very WE'LL turn 1t on
again, Sewer"
No! Mo-" gasped the missionary
Il will-tell-you-"
Good. Speak up"
Laurie lay back and breathed
heavily, and with great gulps. He
trembled violently in every muscle,
but came slowly back to self
control.
Are you going to tell u.s." Carl
ton repeated.
| mo! Not a world" the mission
airy exclaimed, with nervous VIC
| lence.
Carlton frowned. Give him the
full strength he said, curtly.
The full strength was applied
and Laurie's body stiffened convul-
sively under its force. To Elliott it
seemed that the torture lasted for
hours. He struggled in vain to get
loose: he shut his eyes, but he
could hear the creaking of the strap
as Laurie's body strained against
it; and at last he heard the mis-
sionary utter a stified, choking sol
"Ah-ah-ah!"
The noise of the instrument
ceased. "Now will you be sensi
ble?" Carlton inquired.
Yes! yes! No more, for Gods
sake!" Laurie moaned, and began
to cry with profiise tears.
Here have a drink" said oe
vier.
He held a full glass to the old
mans lips and he drank half pint
of whiskey and water eagerly.
Where is it, then? What's the
latitude anu longitude?" Carlton in
sisted, eagerly. But Laurie hat
sunk back and closed his eyes.
Give him time. He's worn ou
with your devilish machine. GU
him loose If you want him tC
talk" advised Elliott from the
floor.
Hello. I'd forgotten you, ole