But of course I had to drive them away, and prepare to meet my fate.

I could not wait for half-past seven--I wanted to face the horror, and end it -- the feeling of many a man doomed to hang, no doubt.

I went down back streets at six o'clock, and entered the theatre by the back door.
I stumbled my way in the dark among the ranks of canvas scenery, and stood on the stage.

The house was gloomy and silent, and its emptiness depressing.

I went into the dark among the scenes again, and for an hour and a half gave myself up to the horrors, wholly unconscious of everything else.