Page:Weird Tales Volume 4 Number 3 (1924-11).djvu/92

Rh pulled up a smaller table and placed his instruments in a row upon it at his right.

One document was read, and Lucifer felt the smallest toe on his right foot removed. He twitched in pain but could not speak. Another reading and another toe. On and on they read until ten toes had each been severed from the feet.

"This eleventh document is for a greater amount. This man died destitute, and the foreclosure shows that all his property slipped into Lucifer's hands in default of a paltry loan."

The reading mystic paused and glanced at each of the other four.

"A foot or an ear," suggested one.

"An ear," the leader murmured.

The surgeon's knife moved rapidly, and soon the severed member was beside the money lender's motionless head.

"Make haste," ordered the leader, "the hands upon the clock do, at this moment, point to three. Read three documents, and pass judgment upon them all. Let the penalty be equal to the sum total of the extortion."

Quickly the mystics each picked up a document and, after reading them, conversed in whispered tones.

One bowed to the leader, who recognized his right to speak.

"We are agreed. Each one of us, before speaking to the other two, had fixed the same penalty for one crime. A woman's home did go to pay the debt incurred in borrowing money to pay for the burial of her one supporting child."

"What do you say? Nothing could be too great!"

The minister stepped forward before the answer could be given.

"Pray men, do not go further. Can you good men not stay your maddening desire? This man is maimed for life. Why do you persist in carrying out your strict intent—to kill this man piece by piece? Let me at this opportune time suggest that the surgeon dress the feet and head; allow Lucifer to live, that he, in living, may repent."

"May repent!" repeated the leader with knowing emphasis, "You do not know the man of whom you speak. His clutching hand can not be stayed by mere weaklings such as words."

Then, with a slight change of voice, "No, I can not grant your request. To do so would be folly; and, too, did you not state that you would not take a hand? You wished that you might comfort him when breath was all that did remain. This I shall grant. Nothing more. Be seated, Right Reverend, and in a short time you may assume the duties which fall into your calling."

As the minister, with lowered head, tiptoed to his chair, the leader directed his eyes to the three mystics who stood waiting to continue with their words.

"What is it, men of the mystic art?"

"A lower limb we deem would pay the price."

The leader stroked his beard thoughtfully, while his eyes traced the outline of the man upon the table. At last he spoke:

"A leg, careful surgeon. Let it be severed at the knee."

The doctor took up his instrument, as the leader continued:

"The hours are passing. Read while our surgeon works. Leave the document which we found: unfolded upon the table until the thirteenth one is done."

As the limb fell from the body, the mystics raised their eyes.

"Again the same amount and, therefore, an equal penalty."

A nod of sanction from the leader, and the instrument touched the flesh.