They drowned the sheriff's voice with clamor.
"Cheated the gallows—stabbed himself."
The sheriff again attempted to speak, but the tumult grew louder.
"Bring him out—dead or alive, bring him out!"
The officer waved his hand and pointed into the cell. Half a dozen men sprang up from the masses, and ran from one gallery to another, shouting to the crowd below.
"We'll see for ourselves—it's all sham—they mean to let him escape!"
Like a troop of wild animals they plunged forward, pushed themselves past the sheriff, and entered the cell. There they stood motionless, all their brutal ferocity struck dumb within them. They had their wish. The old man was before them; the last gleam of life in his eyes; the last breath freezing upon his lips. God had been very merciful, more merciful than the law.