Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Dynamiter

TllK SUPERFLUOUS MANSION. 195
fail to see what means you can employ to force me. The
Avill, my dear fellow '
' Now, see liere,' interrupted Somerset. ' You are
ignorant of anytliing but science, which I can never
regard as l)eing truly knowledge ; I, sir, have studied
life ; and allow me to infonn you that I have but to raise
my hand and voice — here in this street — and the mob '
' Good God in heaven, Somerset,' cried Zero, turning
deadly white and stopping in his walk, ' great God in
heaven, what words are these ? O not in jest, not even in
jest, should they be used ! The l:)rutal mob, the savage
passions .... vSomerset, for God's sake, a public-house ! '
Somerset considered him with freshly awakened
curiosity. 'This is very interesting,' said he. 'You
recoil from such a death 1 '
' Who would not 1 ' asked the plotter.
' And to be blown up by dynamite,' inquired the young
man, ' doubtless strikes you as a form of euthanasia ? '
' Pardon me, ' returned Zero : ' I own, and since I
have braved it daily in my professional career, I own it
even with pride : it is a death unusually distasteful to
the mind of man.'
' One more question,' said Somerset : ' you object to
Lynch Law ? why ? '
' It is assassination,' said the plotter calmly; but with
eyebrows a little lifted, as in wonder at the question.
' Shake hands with me,' cried Somerset. ' Thank
God, I have now no ill-feeling left ; and though you
cannot conceive how I burn to see you on the gallows, I
can quite contentedly assist at your departure.'
' I do not very clearly take your meaning,' said Zero,
' but I am sure you mean kindly. As to my departure,
there is another point to be considered. I have neg-
lected to supply myself Avitli funds ; my little all has
perished in what history will love to relate under the
name of the Golden Square Atrocity; and without what
is coarsely if vigorously called stamps, you must be well
aware it is impossible for me to pass the ocean,'
' For me,' said Somerset, ' you have now ceased to be
a man. You have no more claim upon me than a door