But how was one to
think of such things? When Lind used to denounce the outrages of the
Nihilists, and talk with indignation of the useless crimes of the
Camorra, how could one have thought it possible that assassination
should be demanded of you as a duty?"
"But Lind," Lord Evelyn exclaimed--"surely Lind does not approve of such
a thing?"
"No, he does not," Brand answered. "He says it will prove a
misfortune--"
"Then why does he not protest?"
"Protest against a decree of the Council!" the other exclaimed. "You
don't know as much as I do, Evelyn, about that Council. No, I have sworn
obedience, and I will obey."
He had recovered his firmness; he seemed resigned--even resolved. It was
his friend who was excited.
"I tell you all the oaths in the world cannot compel a man to commit
murder," Evelyn said, hotly.
"Oh, they don't call it murder," Brand replied, without any bitterness
whatever; "they call it a punishment, a warning to the evil-doers of
Europe. And no doubt this man is a great scoundrel, and cannot be
reached by the law; and then, besides, one of the members of the
Society, who is poor and old, and who has suffered grievous wrong from
this man, has appealed to the Council to avenge him.
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