When
you stand before your Judge it will be too late to
repent. Will you approach His awful throne with
a jest upon your lips?"
"A jest, your reverence? It is your side that
needs that little homily, I think. When our turn
comes we shall use field-guns instead of half a
dozen second-hand carbines, and then you'll see
how much we're in jest."
"YOU will use field-guns! Oh, unhappy man!
Have you still not realized on what frightful brink
you stand?"
The Gadfly glanced back over his shoulder at
the open grave.
"And s-s-so your reverence thinks that, when
you have put me down there, you will have done
with me? Perhaps you will lay a stone on the top
to pre-v-vent a r-resurrection 'after three days'?
No fear, your reverence! I shan't poach on the
monopoly in cheap theatricals; I shall lie as still as
a m-mouse, just where you put me. And all the
same, WE shall use field-guns."
"Oh, merciful God," the priest cried out; "forgive
this wretched man!"
"Amen!" murmured the lieutenant of carabineers,
in a deep bass growl, while the colonel and
his nephew crossed themselves devoutly.
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