A great excitement steadied him, driving away the sickness; this was the end, the end—and after?
He placed his forehead in the niche of the block; the position was uncomfortable, and he was staring down at the black covering of the scaffold floor.
He closed his eyes, clutching his hands on his breast; he felt the keen air on his bare neck, and confused visions leaped before him. He tried to pray.
"Lord Jesus," he murmured swiftly. "Lord Jesus——" he could think of nothing more; with an almost mechanical movement he threw out his hands.
He heard the headsman step nearer; he set his teeth.
The axe struck cleanly; the blood was over all of them, and the vizard with the light wig held up by the long grey curls the head which had bounded to his feet.
"God save the people of England!" said Colonel Hacker.
A deep and awful groan broke from the multitude, and the soldiers, hitherto immovable, turned about in all directions, clearing the streets.