Now I am putting you to the test. You like to act a
picturesque part, it seems, to wear boy's clothes, to sing, to be the
only woman among us, to act the heroine. We do not want acting here.
This is Life, not the stage. Now you are asked to give a practical
proof of your loyalty!"
The pitiless tongue lashed, and Arithelli shrank against the wall, her
hands over her eyes. There had been stories current among the younger
members of the Barcelona Anarchists that Sobrenski possessed the power
of hypnotism and did not scruple to use it. Some of the most daring
and successful outrages of the past years had been carried out under
his direction, and executed by these youths. He always made a point of
choosing men who were highly strung and impressionable. He was known
to boast that after three interviews with him he could make anyone,
either man or woman, into a will-less automaton.
He exhorted, jeered, encouraged and derided, finally giving Arithelli
five minutes in which to make her decision. She did not keep him
waiting, though he could scarcely hear the murmured words of assent.
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