Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1909-04-15
STRONGER
THAN HATE
By FRANK H. SWEET

HAT. Inc 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 strong, handsome
fellow, but with a hard face.
you, Kurino?" he exclaimed.
The prisoner smiled sarcastically.
Even l. Shithiro," he answered
The other waved his hand inpatient
ly. you may go" he said to the
sergeant, 81 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-
serting.'
Kurino threw back his head scorn-
fully, his eyes flashing.
That is lie, Shithiro," he said,
"and you know it. l am not desert
er am a Korean, and was seized
and forced into your company unlaw-
fully"
Shithiro's 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 1
was on Japanese soil"
ITO see the daughter Of Laio,"
slipped involuntarily from the officer.
He bit his lips
Yes boldly, to see Nuyama, the
daughter of Laio, the great merchant
consent, and we We're to be married in
a 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 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. l 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 said
at length, in low voice 81 did not
even know you We're in my company
until few days ago. But in this
| case frankly, Il am glad, though 6
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 mderstandingly.
Shithiro saw the smile, and his face
| darkened.
In the guardhouse, with curious, un
| friendly eyes no longer watching him
| Kurino's scornful composure 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 it was afte
midnight Then the door opened anc
some one came in.
"kurino," some one called
Kumno sprang to his feet
"Shithiro!" he exclaimed.
Yes, IL have been thinking i
over, and it is as you say Nuyam;
would hate me- Here" thrustins
paper in kulinos hand 1t is an hon
orable discharge from the army
will pass YOU through the lines. NOV
go!'
What" incredulously You woul
let me 80 free?'
Yes, yes, more harshly; but it i
not for you. 1t is for Nuyama. =
love her, too. would rather die thai
for her 10 think Ill of lac. Now go
go,"
At the door Krrino looked back, il
voluntarily. Shithilo was squatte
upon the earthen floor, gazing hope
lessly at little square hole throug
which the light dropped.