"We will give you a few kilowatts as a
starter, and shut it off after ten seconds. If you are not ready by
that time to tell me which of you is guilty, I will then let you
have the current twice as strong!"
The prisoners looked at each other anxiously. Ernol threw back his
head defiantly.
"Don't weaken!" he exclaimed. "The juice can't hurt you!"
Immediately the guards backed out, keeping their weapons trained on
the crowd. Norbith was the last to go. He left the door open; and
from where the boy stood he could plainly watch the man as he worked
the switches, just outside.
Instantly the place was in an uproar. Of course, the doctor felt
nothing of the prickling, nerve-shaking pain that gripped every one
of those barefoot men. They leaped and darted here and there, bluish
sparks flashing wherever they touched the iron; or they fell after a
step or two and writhed on the floor, shrieking and cursing with the
exquisite torture of that awful current. Ernol alone kept from
shouting; he stood and took it, trembling like a leaf.
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