The bee., 1909-02-25
STRONGER
THAN HATE
By FRANK H. SWEET

Halt" The command rang out
sharply and the figure skulking
through the rice field hesitated. 1t
was clad in the uniform of a common
soldier. The man was taken directly
to the tent Of the commanding Officer.
"A deserter, your distinguished high.
ness"
The officer looked up from a chess.
board. He was a strong, handsome
fellow, but with hard face.
you, Kurino?" be exclaimed.
The prisoner smiled sarcastically.
Even ], Shithiro,' he answered.
The other waved his hand impatient
ly. you may co. he said to the
sergeant, II wish to speak with the
prisoner alone a few minutes" Then,
as the sergeant withdrew: You under
stand what this involves? will see
that the penalty is paid tomorrow
morning at sunrise. But, greater than
death, you have the disgrace Of de-
serting."
Kurino threw back his head scorn.
fully, his eyes flashing.
That is a lie, Shithiro," he said,
land you know it. am not desert.
er. am a Korean, and was seized
and forced into your company unlaw.
fully"
Shithiro's face did not change.
You were seized on Japanese soil.
Your name is on the roll, and you
have tried to desert. THAT is enough"
80 1t seems, but you know why
was on Japanese soil"
ITO see the daughter OF Laio,"
slipped Involuntary from the officer.
He bit his lips.
YES" boldly, ito see Nuyama, the
daughter Of Laio, the great merchant
Of Miyoz. 1t was with her fathers
consent, and we were to be married in
month. 1t lacks but four days now.
That is why tried to get away, for
you have prevented me sending any
word" He was silent a moment, then
went on, CONTEMPORARY: You could
not harm me in my own country,
Shithiro, for am more powerful there
than you here. So you took this way.
AOa AhOhShl 4 COulu UC ICMONCu
your path in battle, OF perhaps in some
other manner. / know Laio and l
know Nuyama, and they will not
change. Nuyama has said she loves
me, and she will continue to love me
in spite of all that you and the world
may do"
Shithiro's hand trembled visibly as
he raised 1t to his eyes.
"You are mistaken, Kurino," he said
at length, in a low voice. Il did not
even know you were in my company
until few days ago But In this
case" frankly, Il am glad, though"
note Of doubt coming into his voice,
perhaps shall not speak OF your dis
grace to Nuyama and her father. /
may concede you that mercy"
Kurino smiled understandingly.
ShithirO saw the smile, and his face
darkened. -4.7saS-'--'r+
IN the guardhoaNe, with curious, IN
friendly eyes no longer watching him,
Kvrino's scornful composurs vanished.
This, then, was to be the end, not only
OF his political advancement In Korea,
but Of that sweeter possibility which
he had won and must now lose.
The hours went by until from the
shifting light he knew that 1t was after
midnight. Then the door opened and
some one came in.
gHKurinO," some one called. 81,
Kurino sprang to his feet.
s"Shithirol" he exclaimed.
"Yes, IL have been thinking II
over and It Is as you say. Nuyama
would hate me. Here" thrusting a
paper in Kurino's hand. at is an hon.
orable discharge from the army. 1t
will pass you through the lines. Now
gol"
what" incredulously. you would
let me go free?"
Eyes, yes" more harshly; "but It is
not for you. 1t is for Nuyama. IL
love her, too. would rather die than
for, her to think i'll Of me. Now goi
go!" =
At the door Kurino looked back, In
voluntarily. Shithiro was squatted
upon the earthen floor, gazing hope
lessly at a little square hole through
which the light dropped.