He was occupied at this moment in reading over a list of suspected persons.
Neither the executioner nor his companions appeared in the slightest degree impressed by the butcherly business about to be enacted; for the former whistled carelessly as he pursued his task, while the latter laughed and chatted with the crowd, or jestingly pointed their matchlocks at the jackdaws wheeling above them in the sunny air, or perching upon the pinnacles and tower of the neighbouring fane.

Not so the majority of the assemblage.

Most of the older and wealthier families in Lancashire still continuing to adhere to the ancient faith of their fathers, it will not be wondered that many of their dependents should follow their example.

And, even of those who were adverse to the creed of Rome, there were few who did not murmur at the rigorous system of persecution adopted towards its professors.
At nine o'clock, the hollow rolling of a muffled drum was heard at a distance.

The deep bell of the church began to toll, and presently afterwards the mournful procession was seen advancing from the market-place.