Murfrey fastened the cord, securely, as directed, and stood awaiting
further instructions. But the chief had a lecture to deliver before
he gave the order; and this was the lecture:

'I desire one and all to know why this punishment is inflicted.
_It is for treason._ My mother was about to take vengeance for
insult offered her by this man,' pointing to Roland, 'but my son
interfered in a way that you all know. Now I am glad that my mother
did not succeed, for I have an object in keeping this young man here
for the present. 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