His eyes, full of cruel hatred, met mine; but I trust they detected no sign of fear or blenching in my face.
I mounted the steps, and as the soldiers placed me beneath the gallows a low, deep hum of pity rose from the crowd.
The two officers from Bern's army were stationed some distance away on my right, and the governor, stepping to the front, began reading in a loud, clear voice some official document.
It was a wonderful and impressive scene. The huge platform, with half a dozen high officials and two firing parties; the bronzed hussars, in brilliant uniforms, sitting their horses like statues; the ring of infantry, with the sun shining on their bright, steel bayonets the hushed crowd beyond, angry but impotent--furnished a spectacle that those who beheld never forgot while life lasted.
The governor continued to read, and as he read a little bird with cherry-coloured throat and gay plumage came and perched itself near me on the frowning gallows.
I was watching the tiny fellow with interest when a cry from the crowd, as of pain wrung from some animal, greeted the end of the governor's speech.
The fatal moment was fast approaching, and I cast a farewell glance at Mecsey and his companions.
The faithful fellow was in a state of terrible excitement, those around him being hardly less moved.
Their faces alternated with hope and fear, grief, rage, despair, anxiety--in short, all the passions that the human face is capable of expressing. But, above all, it seemed to me they were waiting.
Waiting for what?