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Show 8 there were two less in the crowd. The brand, J3S, was still smoking when the executioner once more took hold of Leighton's head and firmly and with no hesitation slit Leighton's nose. Using the same knife, he further mutilated him by cutting off one of his ears. In a burst of anger, Lathrop rushed forward to attend the wounded martyr who was losing blood rapidly from the two fresh knife wounds. A gravel voice belonging to a pockmarked face now seared the air. "Who is that man?" the voice was full of contempt and authority. Lathrop turned to see one of the Bishop's men staring at him; nevertheless, he was not intimidated by his presence nor by an angry protest, from a fast moving guard. Lathrop picked up the ear. Behind him the guard was closing in a menacing fury. Leighton's words were directed to Lathrop, but intended for all. "Blessed be God, if I had a hundred, I would lose them all for the cause." A swift blow knocked the ear from Lathrop's hand and a gigantic fist collided with his jaw. thrusting him into the hub of the crowd. Leighton lapsed into the blissful, state of unconsciousness. The work of the Bishop was done. The morepart of the crowd dispersed. |
