They had a good view from there, but a still better one could be had, a little farther to the right, and in front of the guns.

They kept edging up in that direction, as crowds will, though they knew the danger they would incur if the artillery opened.
The day was broiling hot.

The sun shot his perpendicular rays down with blistering fierceness, and the densely packed, motionless crowds made the heat almost insupportable.
Key took up his position inside the square to direct matters.

With him were Limber Jim, Dick McCullough, and one or two others.

Also, Ned Johnson, Tom Larkin, Sergeant Goody, and three others who were to act as hangmen.