The pool still rocked
sullenly, and the yellow light showed a man's hat floating, and
near it a glove three parts submerged. But that was all. The
mute's dying grip had known no loosening, nor his hate any fear.
I heard afterwards that when they dragged the two out next day,
his fingers were in the other's eye-sockets, his teeth in his
throat. If ever man found death sweet, it was he!
As we turned slowly from the black water, some shuddering, some
crossing themselves, the Lieutenant looked at me.
'Curse you!' he said passionately. 'I believe that you are
glad.'
He deserved his fate,' I answered coldly. 'Why should I pretend
to be sorry? It was now or in three months. And for the other
poor devil's sake I am glad.'
He glared at me for a moment in speechless anger.
At last, 'I should like to have you tied up!' he said between
his teeth.
'I should think that you had had enough of tying up for one day!'
I retorted. 'But there,' I went on contemptuously, 'it comes of
making officers out of the canaille. Dogs love blood. The
teamster must lash something if he can no longer lash his
horses.
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