the triumph of civilization, to behold every effort made to soothe
calamity, without any abandonment of the forfeit justly claimed on behalf
of society.

The sheriffs inquired if the unfortunates had any thing to impart, or any
request to make. Answered in the negative--they added their voices to
those of their religious assistants, to assure them of their hopes--that
they would find that mercy in another world, which the laws and the
interests of their fellow creatures denied them in this.

This language, however suited to the occasion, had been so often addressed
to them, that the sufferers received it almost as a matter of course, and
made little or no reply, but looking up to heaven, they at least seemed to
feel that thither alone could their thoughts be advantageously directed.

They continued sitting on the bench or form to which they had been led.
From time to time the sheriffs referred to their watches. The under
sheriff, who had been doing the same, now exhibited his timepiece to his
superior. It wanted five minutes to eight. Sir Thomas, by a slight
inclination of the head, intimated that he comprehended what was intended
to be conveyed.

"Had we not better move?" he inquired, addressing himself, in a tone but
little above a whisper, to the ordinary.

"I think we had:" the functionary just mentioned rejoined--"the last time
you know, we were rather late."

The under sheriff waved his hand for the spectators to stand aside. His
gesture was promptly attended to. The sheriffs', holding their wands in