（外文电子版资料）Steele, Allen - Stealing Alabama.pdfVIP

file:///G|/Program%20Files/eMule/Incoming/Steele,%20Allen%20-%20Stealing%20Alabama.txt STEALING ALABAMA by Allen Steele Copyright (c) 2001 Philadelphia 7.4.70 / T-28.25.03 The Liberty Bell is much larger than he expected. Nearly fifteen feet tall, weighing over two thousand pounds, its suspended by its oak arm between two cement supports, the ceiling lights casting a dull sheen from its bronze surface. Captain Lee stands in front of the bell, meditating upon the long crack that runs down its side, the Biblical inscription carved around its top: _Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof. Lev. XXV:X_. Reflected in the window behind the bell he can see the URS lieutenant who escorted him to the pavilion. The park ranger who met them there is young and nervous; his hand was sweaty when Lee clasped it, and he stuttered as he commenced a long-winded recital of the bells history until Lee politely asked to be left alone. Now they wait patiently behind him, respectfully giving him a few moments alone. Through the pavilion window, on the opposite side of the grassy mall, lies Independence Hall. The reception was already underway, yet Lees in no hurry to join it, even though the party is being held in honor of him and his crew. Its a distinct privilege to be allowed to view the Liberty Bell; one of the first acts the government took after the Revolution was to close this site to the public. Citing the risk of a terrorist attack, the Internal Security Agency claimed that the bell was too valuable to be left unguarded during a national emergency, yet its been nearly twelve years since the Revolution and still the Liberty Bell is off-limits to everyone save the party elite. Lee cant help but to wonder if the government fears what the average citizen might think if he saw for himself the artifact from which the Liberty Party took its name, and read the words inscribed upon it. Theres still time t