The baguettes were little rods of boxwood, placed between each finger and toe, touching the bone, and joined together with strings by an instrument so craftily designed that the executioner could, at the behest of the judge, squeeze all the fingers together, strip the bones of their flesh, grind them terribly, or give the victim only a slight pain.
He put the baguettes on Soetkin’s hands and feet.
“Tighten,” said the bailiff.
He did so cruelly.
Then the bailiff, addressing himself to Soetkin:
“Discover to me,” said he, “the place where the carolus are hidden.”
“I do not know it,” she replied, groaning.
“Harder,” said he.
Ulenspiegel twisted his arms that were bound behind his back to be rid of the rope and so come to Soetkin’s aid.
“Do not tighten them, messieurs judges,” said he, “do not tighten them, these be but woman’s bones, thin and brittle. A bird could break them with its beak. Do not tighten them, sirs—master executioner, I do not speak to you, for you must needs be obedient to these gentlemen’s orders. O do not bid him tighten them; have pity!”