The fire was suffered to decay, but, long ere it was quite extinguished, the most forward of the rioters rushed, in their impatience, one after another, over its yet smouldering remains.

Thick showers of sparkles rose high in the air, as man after man bounded over the glowing embers, and disturbed them in their passage.

It was now obvious to Butler, and all others who were present, that the rioters would be instantly in possession of their victim, and have it in their power to work their pleasure upon him, whatever that might be.* * Note C.The Old Tolbooth..