I tell you, beforehand, I'll do nothing for you.' Mr Dennis was so affected by this constancy on the part of the staunch old man, that he protested--almost with tears in his eyes--that to baulk his inclinations would be an act of cruelty and hard dealing to which he, for one, never could reconcile his conscience.

The gentleman, he said, had avowed in so many words that he was ready for working off; such being the case, he considered it their duty, as a civilised and enlightened crowd, to work him off.

It was not often, he observed, that they had it in their power to accommodate themselves to the wishes of those from whom they had the misfortune to differ.

Having now found an individual who expressed a desire which they could reasonably indulge (and for himself he was free to confess that in his opinion that desire did honour to his feelings), he hoped they would decide to accede to his proposition before going any further.

It was an experiment which, skilfully and dexterously performed, would be over in five minutes, with great comfort and satisfaction to all parties; and though it did not become him (Mr Dennis) to speak well of himself he trusted he might be allowed to say that he had practical knowledge of the subject, and, being naturally of an obliging and friendly disposition, would work the gentleman off with a deal of pleasure.
These remarks, which were addressed in the midst of a frightful din and turmoil to those immediately about him, were received with great favour; not so much, perhaps, because of the hangman's eloquence, as on account of the locksmith's obstinacy.