The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1911-06-21

II ordered II as we came" said
Costa
Two OF my guests lounged against
the wall, and two sat upon the edge
OF the table. organ brought the
wine and retired into a corner. I
could not see the expression Of his
face as Costa talked on my behalf.
There are some men II is a pleasure
to help slowly out Of life." the Span
lard went on with diabolical careless
ness. THE cries OF coward and a
craven are good music. but there are
others who. having faced death brave
" every day. should not be allowed to
die slowly even OF the hands Of their
enemies. They have been real men all
their lives. with a hand always ready
TO help a worthy friend or foe. and II
is for worthy men to help them when
the time comes We all know that Sir
verrall Is a man."
They nodded and drank their wine In
silence
thought It was time to speak for
myself
looked toward Organs corner and
hoped he understood that I excepted
him. HAD we met outside these walls
we should have fought each other to
the death. Whether ! fell or my en-
envy fortune would decide. but which
ever II was 1t would have been an hon.
orable fall. do not fear even such
death as you administer within these
walls. but should like to cheat those
false friends of mine who would gloat
over my lingering agonies."
"And one of them Is a woman. chr
said one man. who appeared to be the
chief.
YES"
"a man should never suffer for the
sake of a woman" he returned. and
his companions nodded approval Of the
sentiment.
Then. my friends. are you willing to
help me?'
stand up" said the spokesman
Let me look at you"
did as I was requested. He was a
master in his Internal art, and he
passed his hands over my arms and
back and thighs. His 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
AXE some cracking" he said thought
fully.
IAN unlucky blow on the head might |
ease that difficulty" I 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
~ know that" Costa answered. re
membering my trial Of strength with
his majesty. but that sweet machine
of yours should be equal to it"
"You think 1t has had practice
enough. eh. captain?"
81 warrant it can be turned to crack
even the knights muscles. mighty as
they are" said one Of the others. at
can be gentle and powerful too. Do
you remember when ii embraced a
man and woman on the same dayT
That experiment is likely to be re-
peated." said the chief executioner.
THE princessr' | exclaimed
They say So"
why trouble Sir Verrall with that?'
laid Costa. evidently angry that | had
been tod.
1T is of little consequence" an.
swered the man. with a rough laugh
SIN death a man can only take care Of
himself. will treat the lady quickly.
too. If the knight wills It."
With an effort | was calm.
This is indeed being a comrade."
said. holding out my hand. II have a
weakness in my nature-a foolish one
perhaps. but don't like women to suf
fer"
"It requires strength TO suffer much
Women don't suffer as men do" he re.
turned. with brutal certainty And
4 they do what matter? They are
only women"
dared not express my horror.
But in this case you will bring
ieath quicklyi" said.
you may rely on u.s."
THAT is satisfactory" said Costa.
rising.
! had almost forgotten Organ.
him then
THAT man has heard our bargain"
said.
He will not betray it"
do you swear not to do so?' I said.
turning to the lrishman.
81 am not less merciful than the
he growled.
| shook each villain by the hand as
he left me and asked Costa to distrib-
lte among them what few posses
\ haA 4 |