Nevertheless, the fact remains that The Lifter broke
the compact which binds us loyally to one another. Hoist him up,
Murfrey!'
This burly robber threw the rope over an oak limb, and directed The
Lifter to stand 'plumb under.' Murfrey now tightened the rope but he
could not raise The Lifter from the ground.
'Since this punishment is for the promotion of one of the great
virtues,' chimed in the Rev. Mr. Jonas, 'I may help you.'
The exertions of the two robbers availed, and in a minute the
unfortunate Liller, his face convulsed in agony, was hanging by one
arm four feet from the ground. Our hero had looked on, a silent
spectator, while this brutal act progressed, lamenting his
powerlessness to prevent it. But when the robbers coolly took their
pipes and began to smoke, paying no heed to the agonised moans of the
victim, a courageous resolution formed itself in Roland's brain.
'To save my life,' he thought, 'this poor wretch incurred and
suffers this punishment.' He had no sooner made up his mind than he
made a step from his seat towards the group.
'How long do you propose keeping him there?' The captain did not
reply, but Murfrey made answer.
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