“No goodness among ye all, then, eh?” said the chief. “Why, a moment ago ye were all praying like so many saints. Come, answer me this, the third time, then I’ll give some of you another chance. Who considers himself to be brave among you, and don’t fear death? Answer me!”

No one did so, however.

“How artful this bloodthirsty monster is!” each thought; “for those who don’t fear death are sure to be hung first!”

“Well, no one answers, I find,” said the chief, laughing. “I’ll give you a last chance, poor devils; mark me, the only one you’ll have. Who is the greatest coward among you, and fears most to die?”

“I do.”

“I am.”

“That’s me.”

“Oh, spare us!”

Such were the unanimous answers of all, and in one breath.

“Ha! ha! you have answered at last, eh? Well, then, since there are no good nor brave men, but plenty of cowards, we’ll hang you altogether, for none of you deserve to live.”

Groans were now heard on all sides, and many repented not having answered before.

“If there had been only a few brave men among you I would have spared——”

“I’m brave! I’m brave!”

“I’ll do any mortal thing.”

“A lion’s courage is nothing to mine!”

“Only just try me—a tiger is nothing compared to me!”

“I’d face the devil, I would!”

Thus gasped out many when they found that brave men only were to be spared.

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