Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1909-03-25
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 chess
board He was a strong, handsome
fellow, but with a hard face.
you, Kurino?' he exclaimed.
The prisoner smiled sarcastically
Even |, Shithiro." he answered.
The other waved his hand inpatient
ly. You may go" he said to the
sergeant, Il wish to speak with the
prisoner alone few minutes Then,
as the sergeant withdrew: You under
stand what this involves? l will see
that the penalty is paid tomorrow
morning at sunrise. But, greater than
death, you have the disgrace of de-
sorting"
Kurino threw back his head scorn-
fully, his eyes flashing.
THAT is a lie, Shthiro,' he said,
land you know it. | am not a desert
er. l am a Korean, and was seized
and forced into your company unlaw
fully
Shithiros face did not change.
You We're seized on japanese soil.
Your name is on the roll, and you
have tried TO desert That is enough
so it seems. but you know why l
was on Japanese soil"
TO see the daughter of Laio, "
slipped involuntarily 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
That is why | tried to get away, for
| you have prevented me sending any
| word" He was silent a moment, then
| went on, contemptuously: You could
| not harm me in my own country
| Shithiro, for | am more powerful there
than you here. So you took this way
You thought | could be removed from
your path in battle or perhaps in some
other manner | know Laio and
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 it to his eyes.
You are mistaken Kurino," he sale
at length in low voice. Il did MOI
even know you were in my company
until few days ago. But in this
case frankly, Il am glad, though {
perhaps l 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 fac
darkened
In the guardhouse, with curious, III
friendly eyes no longer Watching him
Kurino's scornful composure vanished
This, then was TO be the end, not onl.
OF his political advancement in Korea
but of that sweeter possibility whicl
he had won and must now lose.
The hours went by until from tn
shifting light he knew that it was afte
midnight Then the door opened an
some one came in.
'kurino, some one called
kurino sprang to his feet
Shithiro" he exclaimed.
i. Yes IL have been thinking
over, and it is as you say Nuyam
would hate me Here, thrusting
paper in kmino's hand 1t is an hol
orable discharge from the army
Will pass you through the lines. No
go'
What" incredulously You woul
let me go free?"
: YES. yes, more harshly; but it
not for you. 1t is for Nuyama. /
. love her, too | would rather die tina
for her to think i'll OF nae. Now g
go!
t AT The door Kurino looked back, i
e Voluntarily shithiro was squatte
y upon the earthen floor gazing hop
lessly at little square hole throue
which the light dropped.