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Three quarters past eleven! The murmur now was deafening, yet every man seemed mute. Look where you would among the crowd, you saw strained eyes and lips compressed; it would have been difficult for the most vigilant observer to point this way or that, and say that yonder man had cried out. It were as easy to detect the motion of lips in a sea-shell. Three quarters past eleven! Many spectators who had retired from the windows, came back refreshed, as though their watch had just begun. Those who had fallen asleep, roused themselves; and every person in the crowd made one last effort to better his position which caused a press against the sturdy barriers that made them bend and yield like twigs. The officers, who until now had kept together, fell into their several positions, and gave the words of command. Swords were drawn, muskets shouldered, and the bright steel winding its way among the crowd, gleamed and glittered in the sun like a river. Along this shining path, two men came hurrying on, leading a horse, which was speedily harnessed to the cart at the prison-door. Then, a profound silence replaced the tumult that had so long been gathering, and a breathless pause ensued. Every window was now choked up with heads; the house-tops teemed with peopleclinging to chimneys, peering over gable-ends, and holding on where the sudden loosening of any brick or stone would dash them down into the street. The church tower, the church roof, the church yard, the prison leads, the very water-spouts and lamppostsevery inch of roomswarmed with human life. At the first stroke of twelve the prison-bell began to toll. Then the roarmingled now with cries of Hats off! and Poor fellows! and, from some specks in the great concourse, with a shriek or groanburst forth again. It was terrible to seeif any one in that distraction of excitement could have seenthe world of eager eyes, all strained upon the scaffold and the beam. The hollow murmuring was heard within the jail as plainly as without. The three were brought forth into the yard, together, as it resounded through the air. They knew its import well. Dye hear? cried Hugh, undaunted by the sound. They expect us! I heard them gathering when I woke in the night, and turned over on tother side and fell asleep again. We shall see how they welcome the hangman, now that it comes home to him. Ha, ha, ha! The Ordinary coming up at this moment, reproved him for his indecent mirth, and advised him to alter his demeanour. And why, master? said Hugh. Can I do better than bear it easily? You bear it easily enough. Oh! never tell me, he cried, as the other would have spoken, for all your sad look and your solemn air, you think little enough of it! They say youre the best maker of lobster salads in London. Ha, ha! Ive heard that, you see, before now. Is it a good one, this morningis your hand in? How does the breakfast look? I hope theres enough, and to spare, for all this hungry company thatll sit down to it, when the sights over. I fear, observed the clergyman, shaking his head, that you are incorrigible. Youre right. I am, rejoined Hugh sternly. Be no hypocrite, master! You make a merry-making of this, every month; let me be merry, too. If you want a frightened fellow theres one thatll suit you. Try your hand upon him. He pointed, as he spoke, to Dennis, who, with his legs trailing on the ground, was held between two men; and who trembled so, that all his joints and limbs seemed racked by spasms. Turning from this wretched spectacle, he called to Barnaby, who stood apart. What cheer, Barnaby? Dont be downcast, lad. Leave that to him. Bless you, cried Barnaby, stepping lightly towards him, Im not frightened, Hugh. Im quite happy. I wouldnt desire to live now, if theyd let me. Look at me! Am I afraid to die? Will they see me tremble? |
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