The man saw him at the
same time and sought to efface himself among the others.
"Do you know that man?" asked the lieutenant, who had seen Tom's
start of surprise.
"Only too well," said Tom, in a tone where bitterness and scorn
were mingled.
"What about him?" asked the lieutenant.
"He's one of the ringleaders of that gang of highbinders,"
answered Tom.
The lieutenant looked at the man stonily.
"So you're the peaceful citizen that knew so little about the
Spartacides, are you?" he asked bitingly.
The man started to protest, but the lieutenant shut him up
brusquely and turned to Tom.
"It's lucky you came in just when you did," he said. "I was just
about to let this man go because of his services in showing us
where the parade ground was. I know now why he was so reluctant to
do it." "He did it to save his own skin," answered Tom. "He's a
coward as well as a murderer. He's been responsible for other
executions that have taken place here in the last few days. He's
been one of the bloodiest of the lot, and whenever he saw one of
the gang begin to weaken he's stiffened him up.
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