Black Bess; or, The Knight of the Road — A Tale of the Good Old Times — page 266: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

TE IE CE iné At a very early hour the people began to assemble m front of the prison, for although a hanging in those days was @ by no means unusual sight, yet there were special evcnts connected with this one which made it of peculiar interest. — At Tyburn, too, the people collected in great nnmbers, and by the time appointed for the procession to start, there was quite a line of people all along the Oxford-road, from the prison to the place of execution, which was about two miles distant, The sheriffs and the governor whispered together, and talked over Jack’s extraordinary escape. The place where he had broken the spike off and squeezed through, was pointed out to them, but the aperture was go contracted that they could yiapeanl bring themselves to believe that it was possible for a human being to get through, however lithe and agile he might be. The governor tried all he could to conciliate the sheriffs, fur he dreaded that one of the results of the inquiry which would be made respecting the escape would be his own dismissal. He felt very thankful that Jonathan was incapacitated from attending. From him he had everything to dread. He knew how particularly he had set his heart upon having Jack hanged that very Monday morning. He could, of course, justly or unjustly, lay all the fault upon his shoulders. He gave a sigh of satisfaction when he thonght how remarkably safe he was in bed, unable to atir, and set abont supcrintending the hanging preparations with a better heart, But he would not have felt quite so inspirited if he lad been able to take a peen at the celchrated thief-taker at that very moment. fe had woke up. Woke up for the first time since his mishap, with a clear memory and perfect recollection of what had taken pinee, tle was thinking things over, and wondering how long lie had lain there, and whether Jack had been recaptured, when his attention was directed to the door, which some Gue opened quietly. In another moment, and treading as thongh he had egpzs beneath his feet, Mr. Snoxall crept into the room. He was surprised to find his patient awake, and staring at him in a manner that proved, beyond doubt, he wag iestored to consciousness. Jonathan raised himself up in bed a little, and then in 4 very serious voice, he asked— ‘What is to-day, Mr. Snoxall?” “To-day ?” “Yes. What day of the week ia it P” ‘‘ Monday, Mr. Wild.” “Monday ?’’ shrieked the thief-taker. * Monday ¥ What is the time?” The apothecary took from his fob an enormous silver watch, and said— ‘Ten minutes to ten, Mr. Wild.” The impatience and anxiety with which Jonathan waited for this reply cannot be conceived. But when he heard it a hideous grin overspread his features, as he replied— ‘fAh! then, I am in time. at leaat.”’ “‘ In time for what P Wild made no reply. He jumped ont of bed. ** Murder!” cried the apothecary: ‘* Murder!” “Hold your row! Give me my clothes!” * But, Mr. Wild”’—— '“ Give me my clothes!” ** But consider.”’ *‘ Jonathan made such a ferociona grimace woment, that Mr. Snoxall ceased to n% semonstrance. He did as he was desired. In a very short time Jonathau was fully attired. ‘The wound in his breast was not a serious one, being nttle more than skin deep. ‘The bullet was almost spent when it reached him, and it had just glanced against his ribs. But tho one in his head, and which had produced bis inscnsiility, was another affair I won’t he cheated of that, at this ke any further BLUESKIN: A ROMANCE, It was of a most formidable and dangerous character. But it had been skilfully treated, and Wild was cue who soon recovered from an injury. The wound was going on most favourably, but Mr. Snoxall dreaded this sudden excitement. Jonathan had it redressed, but would suffer no bandage to be placed over it. It was simply strapped up with plaister. His head was quite bald, which was to some extent an advantage, so far as healing the wound went. This done, he put on his wig and hat. He was now quite dressed, and, at first sight, lookieg none the worse for the fearful injuries he had received. It wae one of Jouathan’s ideas to try and make himself appear invulnerable, and he often kept up the appearance at the expense of great bodily pain. In the present instance, although he carried things off with a high hand, he felt far from well. He left the bed, soon folluwed by Mr. Snoxall, and descended the atairs. "es When he reached the hall below, however, such a frightful feeling of weakness came over him that he almost sank to the ground. But he rallied himself, and called for brandy. Mr. Snoxall was horrified. IIe gave his patient up for lost. Quilt Arnold brought him a tumbler full of brandy, from a cupboard in the office, where a good supply of the spirit was always kept. - Jonathan drank half of it off at a draught. ad did just pause then to draw breath, but that was all. One more gulp, and the remainder disappeared. He felt giddy and sick for a moment afterwarda, but the factitious vigour which the brandy induced was soon apparent. His eyes gleamed with unnatural lustre. ‘“My horse!”?: he cried, “my horse! Quick !” Tonks darted off to execute this commission. In a few moments he returned, to cay that the horse was at the door waiting. Jonathan walked along the passage with a tolerably steady step, and mounted. Fch him! CHAPTER CLXXXIV. JONATHAN WILD RIDES TO TYBURN AS PARF OF THE PROCESSION, AND WITNESSES THE EXECUTION OF HIS TWO FOLLOWERS, FLGOD AND BLEWITT. THE first thing that attracted Wild’s notice, after he mounted, was the immense crowd of people which he could see stretching before him down Snow-hill. Then, immediately after wards, his ears were assailed by a cry which he had heard too often, and knew too well, not to understand. The cry came from the mob. It signified that the procession was about to start. Grinning 1n a more ghastly and hideous manner than before, Jonathan guided his horse to the top of the Old Bailey. Not without difficulty, he drew his heavy cutlass from its sheath. The people made way for him. He was known. His appearance was greeted by some with a cheer. By others with a loud yell of derision and hatred. But, paying attention to neither of these, for Wild knew how to estimate the opinion of a mob assembled on hanging mornings, he contrived to force his way down the street until he joined the procession. He nodded in a friendly and semi-respectful manner to the sheriffs. He scowled at the governor, who felt remarirably un- comfortable at seeing him abroad so soon. Still Jonathan pushed on till he came to the cart ip which the two prisoners were seated. - Then he wheeled his horse round and walked hy tke Hlis eyes gleamed with baleful triumph, and tke two men, after one glance, turned away, unabio to bear tkat basilisk-like gaze. And so the procession went on—and on,