Meanwhile, the warrant, signed by Lord George Gordon, appointing the execution to take place at seven o'clock in the morning, had been delivered to the Chevalier de Johnstone, as commander of the corps to which the unfortunate sergeant belonged, and all the necessary preparations had been made.
There was some difficulty in arranging the execution party, for the sergeant was so much beloved that none of his comrades would undertake the dreadful task, alleging that their aim would not be steady. No Highlander, indeed, could be found to shoot him.
Recourse was then had to the Manchester Regiment, and from this corps a dozen men were selected.
The place of execution was fixed in an open field at the back of Market Street Lane, and at no great distance from the prince's residence.
The Rev. Mr. Coppock, chaplain of the regiment, volunteered to attend the prisoner.
Helen slept on peacefully till near six o'clock, when a noise, caused by the entrance of Colonel Johnstone and Mr. Coppock, aroused her, and she started up.
"Oh! I have had such a pleasant dream, Erick," she said. "I thought we were in the Highlands together. But I woke, and find mysel here," she added, with a shudder.
"Well, you will soon be in the Highlands again, dear lassie," he said.
She looked at him wistfully, but made no answer.
"Are you prepared, sergeant?" asked Colonel Johnstone, after bidding him good morrow.