The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-10-30

A big, strong rattan was brought and Big L was laid on the table in the center of the room, his back barred and K, as the biggest and strongest of the boys, ap- pointed executioner-a post which pleased him. The candles were taken from the table and held high in air by the cadets. K stepped back, raised his rattan and brought it down with all his force upon the back of the culprit. The boy gave moan of anguish as the fearful blow fell, and was on the point of giving vent to yell when Little l. rushed forward and, whispered earnestly: Don't cry, don't cry out or all will be discovered" Big L restrained his inclination to howl and only moaned to himself. But when the switch of K descended upon him a sec ond time he struggled so that those who were holding his hands and feet could hardly restrain him, while Little L, who had flung both arms around his brothers neck. was almost stifing him with the force of his embrace.
 Little L's face was deathly white and he was trembling in every limb-they all felt that they could not endure the pain full scene longer. When K had delivered another energetic blow there arose from all sides a murmur: That's enough; stop it' But K thought it was not enough though he was breathless and red from his exertions, and raised his arm to deliver another blow. Several of the cadets, however, threw themselves upon him and tore away the stick Big L was released, and with Little l. be- side him, stood with bowed head by the table. Now the whole matter is everybody come and shake hands with Big L. And any who after this hour shall make any reference to what has taken place tonight, or shall in any way because of it change his manner toward Big L is a rascal That's sol yes. yes," came from several parts of the room One by one the cadets now came up to Big l. and took him by the hand, and after that they surrounded Little L, pat ting him on the head, trying all at once to shake him by the hand and whispering to him words of affection and sympathy Had it not been for the fear of awak- ing the officers they would have cheered him. Then the lights were blown out, the cadets dispersed noiselessly, and in five minutes were in their beds again; all glad that the affair was over-as they believed it.
 But the end was not yet; the final act of the tragedy was still to be played From that night a change came over LitI tie L. He who had been before so gay and light-hearted was now pale and quiet In the afternoons he always walked with his brother, probably realizing that Big Us company would be now less sought for even than before. The brothers used to walk up and down the court together with bowed heads, apparently exchanging but few words. But time might have brought things back to their former con- dition had it not been for K. There are people who are like poisonous weeds, they destroy whatever they come in contact with-and such one was K One day in the class in experimental philosophy the professor. by way of illustrating his lectuTe, WiSfitu tO pass dli tlectTlc cuTTent through the class, and directed them to take each others hands to establish com munication. When Big l. stretched out his hand to K. who sat next him, K drew back his hand with a great show of aversion and Big L sank back with a burning flush upon his cheek. In an in stant Little l. had seated himself between his brother and K, and grasped hands with them. As he caught hold of Ks hand he banged it down upon the seat with such force as to make that cadet l give vent to a loud exclamation of pain. Springing up, he grabbed Little L by the throat, and furious fight began be- tween the two right there in the class room The professor. with some diffi- culty. parted them, and K said: Little l. began 1t; though I had done noth- ing to him at all"
 The professor lectured both the boys, and the matter dropped until the lesson was over and the instructor had left the room. But no sooner had the door