As he could not show his ill-humour to his patrons the magistrates, it increased his indignation and his desire to be revenged on the unfortunate criminal Wilson, and all who favoured him.

These internal emotions of jealousy and rage wrought a change on the man's mien and bearing, visible to all who saw him on the fatal morning when Wilson was appointed to suffer.

Porteous's ordinary appearance was rather favourable.

He was about the middle size, stout, and well made, having a military air, and yet rather a gentle and mild countenance.

His complexion was brown, his face somewhat fretted with the sears of the smallpox, his eyes rather languid than keen or fierce.