“Well, then,” he cried, “take this paper and see which of us is in the right.”
Anthony rose again, wondering what the paper could be, and came towards the table. He saw it bore a name at the end, and as he advanced saw that it had an official appearance. Wade still held it; but Anthony took it in his hand too to steady it, and began to read; but as he read a mist rose before his eyes, and the paper shook violently. It was a warrant to put him to the torture.
Wade laughed a little.
“Why, see, Mr. Norris, how you tremble at the warrant; what will it be when you——”
But a voice murmured “Shame!” and he stopped and stared.
Anthony passed his hand over his eyes and went back to his chair and sat down; he saw his knees trembling as he sat, and hated himself for it; but he cried bravely:
“The flesh is weak, but, please God, the spirit is willing.”
“Well, then,” said Wade again, “must we execute this warrant, or will you tell us what we would know?”
“You must do what God permits,” said Anthony.
Wade sat down, throwing the warrant on the table, and began to talk in a low voice to those who sat next him. Anthony fixed his eyes on the ground, and did his utmost to keep his thoughts steady.