Then Arthur once more threw himself into the prisoner's arms, and whispered rapidly in his ear, "Keep the tube in your throat—and you will be saved!"
Rainford murmured an assent; and the brothers embraced with a fervour which astonished those present, to whom their relationship was totally unknown.
Arthur then tore himself from the cell:—not for worlds could he behold that horrible process termed the toilette.
He had also another motive for quitting the dungeon before the last moment:—this was to meet the Sheriff of the County in the passage.
And, behold! in the corridor, he encountered that functionary, the javelin-men, and the under-sheriff, behind whom came the executioner and his assistant.
The Earl accosted the Sheriff, with whom he was acquainted, and who was naturally surprised to meet the nobleman there.
Drawing him aside, Arthur said in a hasty tone, "I have a favour—a great favour to ask of you. The convict is well connected, and his friends demand the body to bury it decently. The earnest prayer that I have to offer you on their behalf, is that you will not prolong the feelings of shame and ignominy which they will experience during the time the corpse remains suspended."
"My lord," replied the Sheriff, "the body shall be cut down at twenty minutes past eight, and delivered over to the unhappy man's friends."
"A thousand thanks!" said the Earl, pressing the Sheriff's hand.
He then hurried away; and the procession moved on to the cell.