At that time the relatives of an executed convict had the privilege of claiming the body for burial, if they chose to do so; and it was for this purpose that Lodge was awaiting the inquest with Rhoda.

He had been summoned by her as soon as the young man was taken in the crime, and at different times since; and he had attended in court during the trial.

This was the 'holiday' he had been indulging in of late.

The two wretched parents had wished to avoid exposure; and hence had come themselves for the body, a waggon and sheet for its conveyance and covering being in waiting outside.
Gertrude's case was so serious that it was deemed advisable to call to her the surgeon who was at hand.

She was taken out of the jail into the town; but she never reached home alive.