e stocks with two holes vacant!"

For those who are interested in instruments of torture, we will say
that the stocks is one of the most innocent. The holes in which are
fastened the legs of the prisoner are a little more or less than
a palm apart. Leaving two holes vacant, and putting the prisoner's
legs in the holes on either side, would make the position strained,
so that the ankles would suffer peculiarly and the lower extremities
be stretched apart more than a yard. It does not kill instantly,
as may well be imagined.

The turnkey, followed by four soldiers, drew back the bolt and opened
the door. A nauseating odor, and the thick, damp air escaped from the
dense darkness of the prison and, at the same time, groans and sighs
were heard. A soldier lighted a match, but the flame was extinguished
in that foul, vitiated atmosphere, and they had to wait till the air
was renewed.

In the vague light of a candle, several human forms could be
discerned. They were men, some of whom locked their arms around their
knees and hid their heads between them, others were lying down, with
their mouths to the ground, some standing, and some leaning against
the wall. A blow and a creaking sound was heard, accompanied by oaths;
the stocks were being opened.

Dona Consolacion's body was bent forward, the muscles of her neck
were rigid, her eyes riveted to the half open door.

Between the soldiers came out Tarsilo, the brother of Bruno. He wore
handcuffs. His torn clothes disclosed well-developed muscles. His
eyes were fixed insolently on the alferez's wife.

"This is the one who defended himself most bravely, and who ordered
his companions to flee," said the alferez to Father Salvi.

Behind came another miserable sight, a man crying and weeping like
a child. He was limping and his pantaloons were stained with blood.

"Mercy, senor, have mercy! I will not enter the cuartel yard again,"
he cried.

"He is a crafty fellow," said the alferez, speaking to the curate. "He
wanted to flee, but had received a flesh wound."

"What is your name?" asked the alferez, speaking to Tarsilo.

"Tarsilo Alasigan."

"What did Don Crisostomo promise you for attacking the cuartel?"

"Don Crisostomo has never communicated with us."

"Don't deny it! You wanted to surprise us for him!"

"You are mistaken. You whipped our father to death. We avenged him
and nothing more. Look for your two soldiers!"

The alferez looked at the sergeant, surprise