Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-16
OF THE
S 7 A r
BY Percy
Brebmer


II she were left to suffer?
In these days. indeed. It would hav,
been difficult to accomplish such al
escape I was q show prisoner. A
the time OF my constitutional a small
crowd collected upon the ramparts t.
watch me as I walked to and fro
There was, however. a very unpleas
ant side TO being a show prisoner. A
different times my cell was visited By
the aristocracy OF the city, even WON
en- and children coming to look upon
the man who had once escaped from
Yadasara and was so mighty q war
rior.
My fame had outstripped all reason
I remember child who came one day,
a dark haired little girl with thought.
full eyes. She stood before me, looking
at me iptently. Presently smiled al
her, to her great delight, for she turn
| ed to her mother and remarked:
at don't believe he would hurt me-"
Poor little woman! 1 should think
not. Evidently was the fashionable
bogy to brighten naughty children
with.
Organ constantly came with Costa,
never alone. The Spaniard was afraid
| that his lieutenant might do me an in
| jury. Organ never spoke to me, and
over and over again Costa rallied at
him for not making my last days as
pleasant as possible.
Surely It is revenge enough to see
a former comrade In such bad case"
he urged.
But the Irishman was obdurate. 1
wondered that he could have changed
so completely.
One evening Costa came, accompa-
MED by four men, as villainous look
ing a crew surely as could be i'm
agined. They entered stealthily, as
though they were on a secret mission,
and rose from my seat, while a
strange thrill travelled up my spine.
thought my time had come.
81 could not bring them before" said
Costa You have been holding SO
many receptions"
] was relieved.
1.-THE executioners," said, trying to
appear as If their coming had not dis
concerted me. Gentlemen, l regret
that the poorness of my dwelling does
not allow me TO offer you much hos
DlIdI1ly hOI NOAA1Olls LCdi-
Perhaps we may have some wine"
81 ordered It 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.
could not see the expression Of his
face as Costa talked on my behalf.
There are some men it is a pleasure
to help slowly out Of life" the Span
lard went on with diabolical careless
ness. 1.-THE cries of a 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 at 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 it
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 # was time to speak for
myself
I'VE are all men here" I said.
looked toward Organs corner and
hoped he understood that / 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 il was it would have been an hon.
orable fall | do not fear even such a
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. ehf'
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.
.sThen. my friends, are you willing to
help meT'
stand up" said the spokesman
let me look at you"
did as I was requested. He was a 4
master in his Internal art, and he /
passed his hands over my arms and /
pack and thighs His touch was loath-
;ome. not In itself exactly. but by in
erence- The others gathered round
Tim to watch the operation.
There are muscles here that will !
axe some cracking" ne said thought
ully.
IAN unlufky blow on the head might
ase that difficulty" I suggested
AYE. and stretch our limbs instead
4 yours" he laughed My willing Il
less toShelp you does not extend to
hat"
"a quick jerk should SUFFICE" said
,osta-
Feel that muscle. captain" was the
nswer.
Costa put his hand under my shout
er and whistled-
.'It is harder than the kings" said
he exeeutioRer.
II know that" Costa answered, re-
aemberiag my trial Of strength with
is majesty. hut that sweet machine
Z yours should be equal TO it"
You think It has had practice
n0uOh ali rar<afu Sss