Caliban, who, through the interest of Mr.Ireton, was appointed to the office, stood with a hammer in one hand, and a punch in the other, near the great stone block, ready to fulfil his duty.

Close behind him stood the tall gaunt figure of Marvel, with his large bony hands, his scraggy neck, and ill-favoured countenance.

Next to the executioner stood his wife--the former Mrs.Spurling.

Mrs.Marvel held her handkerchief to her eyes, and appeared in great distress.

But her husband, whose deportment to her was considerably changed since the fatal knot had been tied, paid no attention whatever to her grief.
At this moment, the bell of Newgate began to toll, and was answered by another bell from St.Sepulchre's.