New Ulm review., 1911-07-05

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''Surely 1t is revenge enough TO see
q former comrade in such bad case"
he urged.
But the Irishman was obdurate. I
wondered that he could have changed
20 completely.
One evening Costa came, accompa-
MED by four men, as villainous look
ing crew surely as could be I'M
agined. They entered stealthily. as
though they were on secret mission.
and I rose from my seat. while
strange thrill Travelled up my spine.
I thought my time had come.
II could not bring them before" !" said
Costa. you have been holding so
many receptions"
was relieved
'AThe executioners," I said, trying to
appear as If their coming had not dis
concerted me. "Gentlemen, regret
that the poorness Of my dwelling does
not allow me to offer you much hos.
pitality nor much comfort, l fear.
Perhaps we may have some wtne."
"I ordered it as we came." said
Costa.
Two of my guests lounged against
; the wall, and two sat upon the edge
eof the table. Organ brought the
wine and retired into corner. l
could not see the expression OF his
face as Costa talked on my behalf.
'sThere are some men it is pleasure
to help slowly out Of ife." the Span.
lard went on with diabolical careless
ness. 'The cries Of a coward and q
craven are good music. but there are
others who. having faced death brave
ly every day. should not be allowed to
die slowly even at the hands of their
enemies. They have been real men all
their lives, with hand always ready
to help worthy friend or foe. and 1t
is for worthy men to help them when
the time comes. We all know that Sir
verrall Is man."
They nodded and drank their wine In
silence.
thought it was time to speak for
myself.
1--WE are all men here" said. !
looked toward Organs corner and
hoped he understood that l excepted
him. "Had we met outside these walls
we should have fought each other to
the death. Whether fell or my en-.
emy fortune would decide, hut which.
ever it was it would have been an hon.
orable fall. l do not fear even such
death as you administer within these
walls, but I should like to cheat those
false friends Of mine who would gloat
over my lingering agonies."
"And one of them Is woman, eh!'
said one man, who appeared to be the
chief.
EYES,"
"A man should never suffer for the
sake of woman" he returned, and
his companions nodded approval Of the
sentiment.
''Then, my friends, are you willing to
help meT'
"Stand up" said the spokesman
"Let me look at you.
I did as I was requested. He was
master in his Internal art, and be
passed his hands over my arms and
back and thighs. Els touch was loath'
some, not in itself exactly, but by in.
ference. The others gathered round
him to watch the operation.
'"There are muscles here that will
take some cracking" he said thought
fully.
IAN unlucky blow on the head might
case that difficulty" suggested.
"Aye, and stretch our limbs instead
of yours" he laughed. my willing.
ness to help you does not extend to
that"
"A quick jerk should suffice" said
Costa.
"Feel that muscle, captain" was the
answer.
Costa put his hand under my shoul
der and whistled.
1T is harder than the kings" said
the executioner.
II know that" Costa answered. re
xUCuUSI1AS NY SAAuA Va StASAoSA "NSN
his majesty, "but that sweet machine
of yours should be equal to it."
"You think it has had practice
enough, eh, captain?
II warrant it can be turned to crack
even the knights muscles. mighty as
they are" said one of the others. 1T
can be gentle and powerful too. Do
you remember when it embraced
man and a woman on the same day."
'That experiment is likely to be re-
peated," said the chief executioner.
"The princessy' I exclaimed.
), 'They say So"
'Why trouble Sir Verrall with that"
said Costa, evidently angry that had
been tod.
ut is Of little consequence, an
swered the man, with a rough laugh.
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