Part 25 (1/2)

CHAPTER XIII

CHERRY BIM MAKES A STATEMENT

Malcol from the bench, his face bathed in perspiration

”What was that?” he asked hoarsely

Malinkoff was sitting on the edge of the bench rubbing his eyes

”I heard so,” he yawned

Only Cheery Bi on his back with his knees up and his hands behind his head, wide awake

”What was it, Cherry?” asked Malcolm

Slowly the little man rose and stretched himself

”I wonder what the time is,” he said evasively

Malcolm looked at his watch

”Half-past three,” he replied

”He's asleep anyway,” said Cherry, nodding towards the recuht have been useful--but I forgot the old lanced at the gate

Cherry nodded again

”I never thought they'd carry it out according to programme,” he said, ”but they did I heard 'e

”That's the door of his cell They have taken hi on a hook--just put a rope round his neck and pushed hi,” he said reflectively, and Malcol in spite of his calm, matter-of-fact tone

Malinkoff had walked across to the priest, and had shaken him awake

”Father,” he said, ”a man has just died in the next cell Would you not read the Office of the Dead?”

The priest rose with an ill grace

”Why should I be awakened from my sleep?” he complained ”Who is this man?”

”I do not know his name,” said Malinkoff, ”but he is a Jew----”

”A Jew!”