Who is that weeping so loudly?
It is the sheriff beneath his canopy. He cannot refrain from sobbing.
The convict had compassion upon his judge, and said to him:
"Weep not, Master Sheriff! you have pronounced a righteous judgment over me. I deserve to die. Not a drop of my blood will ever burden your soul, for it was a righteous sentence. Turn your head aside if you find it hard to see the sentence carried out!"
But Valentine Kalondai did not cover his eyes. He bade them weep no more, but watch the scene to the very end.
He was learning!
He was learning how to mount the seven steps of the scaffold with a firm step, how to cheerily tap the headsman on the shoulder, ask him if his ax was sharp, and then send his last greetings to those at home.
The man sat down without any assistance on the low stool, put his hands on his knees, stretched forward his head, and began to sing the well-known verse: "Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O ----" The word "Lord" was still upon his lips as he stood before the throne of God.
Valentine had learnt something.
Another and far more terrible scene now ensued. They brought up the witch.