"Usually they do not, but there are exceptions to all cases. I think much of Martha Adams, and am bound to restore her to her parents. If you do not tell me where she is you shall suffer all the horrors of the Pit of Everlasting Fire! I will kill you by inches! You shall thirst, you shall starve, you shall burn, all at the same time. Now take your choice."
"I—I will say nothing," responded Hang Chang, but his lips trembled so that he could scarcely frame the words.
Oscar turned to Andy, who had come up.
"Lieutenant Greggs, see to it that the foot plates are made red-hot," he ordered. "Perhaps he will talk after his feet have been well warmed."
"No! no! Do not scorch my feet!" wailed the yellow wretch. "I suffered that once—from the Borneo pirates—I could not stand it again."
"And, Lieutenant Greggs, see that the branding iron is also made red-hot," went on Oscar, calmly. "Hang Chang needs a mark of beauty upon each cheek and upon his chin."
"No! no! no! I will not stand it! It is inhuman!" shrieked the Celestial. "Do not touch me! I—I will tell all I know, if only you will let me go!" And he fell upon his bony knees in front of Oscar.
"Then tell me at once where Martha Adams is. And mind I will not let you go until you have proved your words true."
"And if I tell you the truth will you let me go?" questioned Hang Chang, eagerly.
"Yes."