This language, however suited to the occasion, had been so often addressed to them, that the sufferers received it almost as a matter of course, and made little or no reply, but looking up to heaven, they at least seemed to feel that thither alone could their thoughts be advantageously directed.
They continued sitting on the bench or form to which they had been led. From time to time the sheriffs referred to their watches. The under sheriff, who had been doing the same, now exhibited his timepiece to his superior. It wanted five minutes to eight. Sir Thomas, by a slight inclination of the head, intimated that he comprehended what was intended to be conveyed.
"Had we not better move?" he inquired, addressing himself, in a tone but little above a whisper, to the ordinary.
"I think we had:" the functionary just mentioned rejoined—"the last time you know, we were rather late."
The under sheriff waved his hand for the spectators to stand aside. His gesture was promptly attended to. The sheriffs', holding their wands in their hands, then presented themselves as ready to march in procession. Immediately after them the minister appeared, with his open book; the culprits were next brought forward, and placed immediately behind him. The spectators, who had given way on the sides, prepared to bring up the rear, were admonished by the under sheriff not to press on the sufferers; and strange as it may seem, the intrusive curiosity of some of the party, impressed upon me a belief that this hint was not altogether unnecessary.
(To be concluded in our next.)