“For mercy’s sake! one minute more to wait for the coming of my pardon! If you will not grant it, I will defend myself tooth and nail!”
The judge and the executioner have left me. I am alone—alone with two gendarmes.
Oh the horrible crowd, with their hyena-like cries! How do I know that I shall not escape them—if I shall not be saved? My pardon may arrive——Ah, the wretches, they are carrying me on to the scaffold....
* * * * * *
FOUR O’CLOCK STRIKES.
TOLD UNDER CANVAS.