“Oh, here! I can’t stand this!” said Sevier, averting his eyes.
“Shut off. Now will you talk?” said Carlton.
Laurie made no answer, but lay heavily back, his muscles still twitching. They waited; he gasped spasmodically, but did not speak.
“Again—and a little more current,” commanded Carlton, and Sevier obeyed with a look of disgust. Laurie’s form was torn by a terrible convulsion. His mouth opened and shut, and an inarticulate cry came from his lips. The coil buzzed for almost two minutes.
“Give him a moment,” Carlton said, without emotion. “Now will you tell us? Very well; turn it on again, Sevier.”
“No! no!” gasped the missionary. “I will—tell—you—”
“Good. Speak up.”
Laurie lay back and breathed heavily, and with great gulps. He trembled violently in every muscle, but came slowly back to self-control.
“Are you going to tell us?” Carlton repeated.
“No! Not a word!” the missionary exclaimed, with nervous violence.