The Professor and the Firing Squad

After the revolution, when the professor, wearing his best tweed suit, went before the firing squad and stood smoking his last cigarette and peering through his glasses upon the masked soldiers before him, he was asked if he had any last words. He spoke without malice. "Today, you stand before me in a line, your rifles loaded with blanks, except one, and you will receive your order and you will fire. One day soon, you will stand in a circle, and your rifles will not be loaded with blanks, and you will receive your order, and I hope you will not fire. My students, I have failed you. May you not fail yours. Okay, I wish I could stay, but I suppose it is time to go."

The rifles replied and his hand stiffened around the worn text he would not renounce. They pried it free and threw Moby Dick upon the fire as they dumped him into the pit.