The unhappy wretch ceased further importunity.
When the arrangements at the scaffold were completed, the guard crossed the street, opened ranks, and the prisoners were conducted through into the building, each as he entered stepping upon one of the dry-goods boxes. Ranged side by side, Clubfoot George was first on the east side of the room; next to him was Hayes Lyons, then Jack Gallagher, then Boone Helm, and near the west wall Frank Parish. The area in front of them was occupied by the guard and the members of the Executive Committee. The two streets in front and at the side of the building were crowded with armed Vigilantes and spectators. The order being given to remove the hats of the prisoners, Clubfoot George, whose hands were loosely fastened, contrived to reach his hat, which he threw spitefully on the floor, the hats of the others being at the same time removed by the guard.
After the nooses were adjusted, the chief of the Committee said to the prisoners,
“You are now about to be executed. If you have any dying requests to make, this is your last opportunity. You may be assured they shall be carefully heeded.”
Jack Gallagher broke in upon this address with a leer,
“How do I look, boys,” he asked, “with a halter around my neck?” The grim effort failed to elicit a smile.
“Your time is very short,” said the chief, again reminding them that their requests would be listened to.
“Well, then,” said Gallagher, “I want one more drink of whiskey before I die.”
The loathing which this request excited was apparent in the expression of the countenances of all who heard it. Some men exchanged meaning glances, revealing thereby the shock their sensibilities had received by this exhibition of depravity. Others craned their necks over the crowd, as if they had not heard aright. For a few minutes no one seemed to know what answer to make to a man whose last moments were given to the gratification of his evil appetites. This silence was soon broken, however, by an old miner.
“We told ’em,” said he, “that we’d do whatever they asked. Give him the liquor.”