Then commenced those struggles, which, we are informed, are merely muscular and involuntary, but which nevertheless are sickening to behold.
Charles Peace was in no way moved by the appalling spectacle, albeit he affected to be overcome, and buried his face in his hands.
His newly-made acquaintance, however, was visibly affected. The expression of his countenance was indicative of the most profound sorrow.
In a few minutes the crowd before the scaffold recovered from the shock.
A motionless figure dangled from the rope. It was evident enough to all the spectators that life had fled.
Gregson had paid the penalty of his crimes.
The crowd swayed to and fro; several groups of persons took their departure in various directions.
During the whole of the melancholy proceedings the pickpockets were industriously plying their vocation.
More than one of the light-fingered gentry had been given into the custody of the police.
This was a common thing at the time of public executions.