The judges declared that the demand could not be refused, although they thought it vexatious, and evidently expecting that the young man would at once show his loyalty, were astonished by a blank refusal.
Thereupon Sir John Redfyrne observed they might recognize the true pupil of Richard Whiting.
The judges besought the youth, who was only a little more than twenty years of age, to consider the consequences of his refusal.
He still remained obstinate, with the evident approval of the elder prisoner, his reputed father.
Thereupon sentence of death, after the usual fashion, was pronounced upon both prisoners: to be drawn upon hurdles to the cathedral yard, and there to be hanged, but not till they were dead, cut down alive, and dismembered.
The prisoners thanked God for calling them to die in what they called “so good a cause,” and thanked the jury for the patience with which they had heard them, and the desire they had shown to save their lives, with a simplicity which brought tears to all eyes.
Sir John Redfyrne, on behalf of the Crown, asked and obtained a week’s respite, such sentences being usually executed on the morrow.
The prisoners were removed; a dangerous tendency was visible amongst the mob, many of whom cried, “God bless them.”
By desire of Sir John Redfyrne they were separated and placed in solitary confinement.