The torments of the Canal – Peninsula Colony

But the torment did not stop. The man wielding the broom pressed his foot against the colonel’s chest, forcing the broomstick into his mouth. The colonel choked, gasping for air, teetering on the brink of death, his body wracked with desperation. At one moment, he clenched his teeth around the stick. With a brutal yank, the broomstick was pulled free—teeth came out with it. Blood poured from his mouth.

The colonel’s mind fractured under the assault. Through the haze of pain and fear, he could hear the cruel laughter and cursing echoing around him. The nightmare persisted through the entire night.

Yet, this night of horror was only the beginning. The following day, he was sent to perform his “norm” at the wheelbarrow. His overseers issued a chilling warning:

• “If you don’t get your head screwed on, you’ll be brought back to us. You’re not the devil so you can resist us!”

The colonel, broken in body and spirit, had no choice but to obey.