The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1909-04-01
STRONGER
THAN HATE
BY FRANK II. SWEET

Halt" The command rang out
sharply and the figure skulking
through the rice field hestated. It
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 strong, handsome
fellow, but with hard face.
you, kurino?" he exclaimed.
The prisoner smiled sarcastically.
Even |, Shithiro," he answered.
The other waved his hand impatient
ly. you may CO." he said to the
sergeant, Il 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."
Kurine threw back his head scorn-
fully, his eyes flashing
THAT is a lie, Shithiro," be said,
'and you know it. l am not desert
er. / am a Korean, and was seized
and forced into your company uulaw-
fully"
Shthiro's face did not change.
You were seized on Japanese soil.
Your name is on the roll, and you
bD, -, 10, L.
so it seems, but you know why |
was on Japanese SOIL
ITO see the daughter OF Laio. r."
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
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. | 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 ;rembled visiby as
he raised it to his eyes.
You are mistaken, Kurino," he said
at length, in a low voice. II did not
even know you We're in my company
until few days ago. But in this
case" frankly, Il am glad, though" a
note of doubt coming into his voice,
perhaps | she'll not speak of your dis
grace to Nuyama and her father. l
may concede you that mercy"
Kurino smiled understandingly.
Shithiro saw the smile, and his face
darkened.
| 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 II was after
midnight. Then Ire door opened and
| some one came in.
"kurino," some one called.
Kurno sprang to his feet.
"Shithiro!" he exclaimed.
Yes, II have been thinking II
| over, and it is as you say. Nuyama
| would hate me. Here" thrusting a
paper in Kurino's hand ut is an hon
| orahle discharge from the army. 1t
will pass you through the lines. Now
go,"
What" incredulously. you would
| let me go free?"
yes. yes more harshly; but it is
not for you. 1t Is for Nuyama. II
| love her, too. ] would rather die than
for her to think i'll of me. Now go.
go,"
At the door Kurino looked back, in
voluntarily. Shithiro was squatted
| upon the earthen floor, gazing hope
lessly at little square hole through
| which the light dropped.