“Ten minutes past four,” was the answer.
“Oh, no later than that?” he returned.
He then went off to sleep again, and did not wake till he was aroused by the entrance of the chief warder. It was now six o’clock.
Giles Chudley got up and dressed himself with more than usual care.
He was asked if he would have any breakfast, and said he could not eat anything, but he, however, had a cup of tea.
Soon after this the governor of the prison entered the cell, and said, “Chudley, the time approaches, and we want you.”
“I am ready, sir,” returned the prisoner, who was then introduced to Calcraft.
At the sight of the grey-headed man, with dark malicious-looking eyes, the unhappy wretch trembled.
“Get it all over as quickly as possible,” he whispered to his executioner.
Calcraft nodded. He never was a man of many words—that is, when engaged in his professional duties.