To be snubbed and railed at would have pointed to a long life to come, one not to be measured by hours.

Did he know?
And was he silent out of pity?
or was it malice?
Before, the old man had been easily moved to anger, and when heated would swing his arms up and down and plainly threaten to have the obstinate convict sent off.

Now there was no more grim humour nor raging round.

He looked at the poor sinner, sunk in deep gloom, with a sad calmness.

"Poor devil!" Suddenly it was too much for him, and he broke out violently: "But come now! You must have known it.