That is the soldier's only duty. And I know, my children, that
you are perfect soldiers and that you stand ever ready to do that duty.
Soldiers in other armies may occasionally forget their calling and
indulge in the forbidden fruits of reason and conscience, but the
Tutonian soldier never! We all know this. For us no proof is necessary.
But I wish to demonstrate the fact to the world. I have brought over
with me across the sea certain of your relations who have been guilty
of the unparalleled crime of lese-majesty. I have determined that they
deserve death, and that you shall carry out the execution. I have so
arranged it that each of the condemned shall be shot by his nearest
relation, be it father, son, or brother. You will show the world that
you are ready, nay, proud to carry out these my commands. I
congratulate you on being selected for this noble and patriotic task.
You are now before the footlights at the center of the world's stage.
Remember that the eyes of all mankind are upon you and that you are my
children. Field-marshal, carry out my orders!"
Count von Balderdash gave some orders in an undertone; the troops
opened on the left, and disclosed a row of prisoners, including several
women, standing bound and blindfolded against a wall, each one at a
distance of several yards from his neighbor. The captain ordered the
detail into position, gave the necessary orders to load, aim, and fire,
and the condemned men and women fell to the ground, each one pierced by
the bullet of his or her near relation.
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