Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 255: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

companion with a sudden gleam in his eyes that, if it was to be taken as ex- pressive of fun, was certainly of a very grim sort. -\ “Follow me, and you shall see how a religious fanatic of the olden days treated those who differed with him in creed.” And so saying Cavara led the way around the corner of the huge ramparts to a square, low, gloomy looking pile of masonry that stood by the side of the moat. The entrance was a narrow portal, which opened into a dark, clammy pas- sage, the sides covered with a green, moss-like growth that told of dampness. At the end of it came a few steps trending downward, and then before them Cottrell perceived a cavernous dungeon, its sides reeking with moisture, the stone flooring a mass of greenish slime. The only light came from a couple of narrow slits in the wall, just by the roof. As soon as Cottrell’s eyes had become accustomed to the semi darkness, he perceived a queer object at one corner, “‘ What is that, sefior? ” he asked curiously. The brigand chief laughed grimly. “ That, Juan, is a pump, and over against the wall just behind it, you will see some chains dangling from a ring imbedded in the masonry.” ‘“ And what was it all for, sefior?’”’ asked Cottrell, shivering slightly, for the air was frightfully damp and the whole place inexpressibly gruesome. . ‘ By pulling up a small trap in the wall, this place (which is level with the moat) is quickly filled with water. When our old friend, the fanatical lord of this castle, chanced to get his claws upon a heretic, it was his chief delight to fasten the wretch to those chains to prevent his escape, pull up the trap, and then leave him to pump for his life. If he was a strong man and had not been broken on the rack, he might keep the water at bay for a few hours, but sooner or later, the inexorable inflow began to gain on him, inch by inch, until, with a last despairing cry, that ends in a gurgle, the waters close over him, and the end has come.” “ How horrible!” muttered Cottrell, feeling his nerves tingle at the mere thought of the dreadful scenes that had been enacted here, though so long ago. He stepped carefully over the uneven, slimy floor and looked curiously at the pump; it was very primitive and old fashioned. He tried it. To his surprise, the handle moved noiselessly on its pivot, as though well oiled. “It seems in excellent repair!’ he commented in considerable astonish- ment. “Yes,” replied Cavara, “it is. I have just had it put in order. A mere whim of mine,” he added smoothly. | “ And look,” went on Cottrell, “the chain ts strong, and two of the links are newly forged!” “Yes,” said Cavara, pleasantly ; “looks as though it would stand a good deal of tugging and hauling, doesn’t it? ”’ Cottrell gave an uneasy laugh. “It is the most diabolical piece of ingenuity I have ever heard of! But surely you would not have to resort to such extreme and cruel measures to make even the most miserly of men part with his money!” The Spaniard gave him one venomous look, his face flushing darklv. GONG OOO UN ceo