The two had been playing cards at the table and my grandfather's body was found lying in a litter of cards and gold sovereigns on the floor.

Sir Duggam Buggam, insensible from drink, lay beside him, the fatal knife at his hand, his fingers smeared with blood.

My grandfather, though of the younger branch, possessed a part of the estates which were to revert to Sir Duggam on his death.

Sir Duggam Buggam was tried at the Assizes and was hanged.

On the day of his execution he was permitted by the authorities, out of respect for his rank, to wear a mask to the scaffold.