The executioners were strong men of the royal guard. To these were added
a number of others, who, to show the strength of their patriotism,
volunteered their services. Foremost among these were Scribbo and
Shagoth. With what triumphant malignity they gazed on the bound Hebrews!
How complete they considered their own victory!
The word of command was given, and the victims were dragged up the
massive steps that led to the upper edge of the burning pit. In this the
volunteers showed more than an ordinary degree of patriotism. The Hebrews
were laid side by side, ready for their awful doom. The stout hearts of
the soldiers were touched with pity as they gazed on the noble forms of
their victims, of whom they had never heard aught but good; and they felt
loath to perform the awful deed. But not so the patriotic sons of
Skerbood.
"Why not throw the guilty rebels in?" cried Shagoth, with an air of
importance.
"As ye appear to take far more pleasure in this transaction than we do,
we are very willing to bestow the honor of throwing them in on
yourselves.
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