Every garment was subjected to a rigorous search.  Yet beyond the camera they found nothing.  Certainly no papers were brought to light.  There was no mistaking their bitter disappointment; this was plainly written upon their faces.  My watch was prized open, and the works were turned out, while a photograph of my wife and children was torn from the back case to make certain there was nothing concealed behind it.  My shirt was turned over and over and held up to the light to be examined inch by inch for any traces of secret writing.  But all to no purpose.  From their mortification and behaviour I surmised that they had been promised a monetary reward if they succeeded in finding anything in writing.  And now they were destined to go empty-handed.  Thereupon, after laying their heads together for a few seconds, they drew pencil and paper from their pockets and commenced writing.

I was suspicious of this action.  To me it was palpable that, animated by the lure of money and foiled in their efforts, they were prepared to go the length of concocting evidence against me.  At least I thought so, and summarily frustrated their action.  I went to them and by the aid of signs demonstrated that I wanted the paper torn up, or I would ring the emergency bell and summon the head gaoler to explain matters.  They apparently did not relish my threat, because they instantly tore the paper to shreds.

By the time their search was completed I was stripped to the skin.  But I was not permitted to re-dress.  Evidently they concluded that I might have pockets in my epidermis because they went over me, inch by inch, resorting to actions which were wholly unnecessary and which were revolting, degrading, and demoralising to the last degree—­such actions as one would hardly expect even from the lowest animals.  During the process they joked and gibed freely at my expense.

Although it was with the utmost difficulty I controlled my feelings, my blood soon began to boil, rapidly rising to fever heat, when they descended to familiarities and personalities which flesh and blood could not stand.  I suffered their indignities as long as I could.  Then unable to contain my rage any longer I threw myself at the leader of the party, pitching into him with all the strength I could command.  I pommelled him unmercifully with my fists and he began to howl somewhat vociferously.  His comrades were too surprised at my unexpected rebellion to extend assistance, until at last their dull wits took in the situation.  I caught a glimpse of one of the soldiers grasping his rifle.  I saw it flash in the air—­I remembered no more.