They formed a line, ten paces in front of him.

Belton gave Bernard one last chance, as he said, to save his life, by silence as to his plans.
Bernard said: "If I live I shall surely proclaim your infamy to our people and slay you besides.

The curse of our doomed race is just such white folks' niggers as you are.

Shoot, shoot, shoot, you whelps." They took aim and, at a command from Belton, fired.

When the smoke had lifted, Belton said: "Bernard, those were blank cartridges.