The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1868-08-18 00:00:00

For the Amendment nine voted, And three for the reso-
lution. The amendment thtrefore ucarried.

WIMBORNE PETTY SESSIONS.

Auatntr 14.—Maghstrates present: Rev. Carr Glyn
(chairman), Colonel Paget, and General Miehel.
EXCISI PROSECUTION.—Edward Frampton. of Leat-
hern, was charged on the information and complaint of
Robert Aikenbeed, supervisor of excise, with having a
dog in his possiessiou without a lioense.—Defendent
pleaded that be only bad the dog 14 days, and that the
party who sold it ta him stated it was not six months
old. P.C. W. Webb stated that the dog was • full use
hatcher, and was in all likelihood 18 months old. It
had bun sued for poaching. When husked the defen-
dant for his license, he replied he bad not one but would
get it. —Fined 255., including coats.
OBSTRUCTING A PUBLIC FOOTPATH.—Henry Sibley
was charged, on the information of tbe police, with
obstructing the publics pathway in the streets of
Wimborne. Defendant admitted the charge, but
pleaded that be was only tithing to some friends.—Mr.
Superintendent Baynton said that numerous complaints
had been made of the conduct of boys and young
men interrupting people as they went to and from
church and chapel on Sande), evenings. No respectable
female could pass without being subjected to insult,
and the language abed Was disgraceful. Ile was obliged
to have an extra constable in from the country to keep
the streets deal. In the present instance the other
young men, es hen told by the constable to walk on,
complied, but Sibley said he should not, as he had as
much right to stand there as the constable.—Fined 20s.
including costs.
A rnhisnon CARL—Charles Day, carpenter, o
NS: imborne, appeared to meet an application made by
Elizabeth Mann, of Witchampton, for an order of
affilistion.—Mr. Tanner appeared for the applicant, and
Mr. T. Johns, of Itinewoqi, for the defendant.—The
ease appeared to ...On eonsiderable intoreat The
applicant stated that she was • single woman, melding at
the mount time at Witchampton. In June, 1866, she
entered Captain Barrett's service as cook, and
remained there 11111868. She made the acquaintiume of
Day by going to Ir. Yeatman's shop, and afterwards
saw him occasionally. On Sunday, 28th August, 1867,
she went across the fields with him In the direction of
Oakley, where the intimacy took piece, and ones after-
wards, in the latter park of September or beginning of
October, near the gas-house. In the following March
she told Lim her oondition. Ile replied he would see
all about that another time. She left Captain Barrett's
service on the 280 January, and went home. The child
was born on the 3s)th May. Saw Day on the 14th July
on the turnpike-reed,comingfroin Mr. Bert's, of Witch-
ampton, and told him she had • child, and that he wu
It, father. He rolled it was nothing to him, but he
would sec her agile ; he could then not stop as some
men were waiting for him in a cart. The following
Saturday she saw Sim on Watford bridge. She asked
him to look at the child. Ile said it was nothing to
him. It was twelre months ago since be had anything
to do with her.—ln cress-examination by Mr. Johns
applicant admitted she had an illigitiraate child four
years previous; that Joseph Lambert was the father of
that child ; that it December,lBB7,the went to Portland
with him, and talked to ban about marrying her, but
that nothing improper took place between them.—Mr.
John. called the attention of the Bench to the feet that
the 28th of Augtut last year did not fall on a Sunday,
but on • Wednesday, and contended that an in so
essential • particular she was proved to be wrong, she
was unworthy of nulit. The Bench did not take that
view of the case.—Crossexamined Did not tell Day
when she saw loin in March that she was going to be
married. Asked aim something about money to provide
for the child. Ile refused to give her any, but did not
deny the fraternity, and said he would see all about
that another time. In Judy she law him at Witeliampton,
and asked him if he would not allow her something to
prevent the cue going into court. He replied it was
nothing to him. Sim then said that her mother wished for
an answer, and that aloe did not wish to summon him.
Her mother made: her do so as she could not afford to
keep her.—By the Bench: Took • good character to
Captain lierrett's,and lived there • year and seven months.
In reply to Mr. Tanner, Mann said she went to Port-
land to see if Lambert would marry her, but he refused.
Before that time had not seen him for three years.—
Sarah Allen reposed that on a Sunday evening, the latter
pert of Augiut, she saw Day and Elisabeth Mann walk-
ing together, about 8 pm., on the Poole road, towards
Oakley. She wished them good night.—Mr. Johns then
addressed the Bush, and said is the evidence of the
applicant was not satisfactorily confirmed in some
essential puticaars by other parties, be did not feel it
neoessary to all witnesses.—The Bench, however,
decided to hear toy witnesses for the defence, and Mr.
Johns then sootier • young person named Leah Small,
who said that Day was paying his addresses to her. fibs
remembered he owning from Fifehead at the
beginning of August last. On the 14th August
and every Sunday since Day had been in
her company from two o'clock in the afternoon till
10 o'eloa at night. They went to church regularly
together, and only on two occasions was he shunt.
After coming out of church Day returned to her father's
house.—After hearing this evidence the Bench said
they bad no other alternative than to refuse the order.
TRESPASS IN SEARCH 01 GANl.—Thomas Potion,
• retired gentleman, misting at Witchanipton, was
charged with tampons in search of game on lands
belonging toll. C. Start, Bee.. .11-B- in the wct
of ri
tion Mr. Purr.—Mr. Polton pleaded guilty to be
on the land shooting rabbits but not game, and hande
to the magistrates • written explanation of the case,
from which it appeared that Mr. Parry invited him to
joio in shooting middle in • field where his men where
mowing barley, that bytaccident, and not intentionally,
he shot • leveret which ran out from the barley, and
that soon after the underkeeper had spoken to him
about his shooting the hare, Mr. Parry shot one in the
same way.—The head-keeper, Thomas Doyworth, said
that Mr. Start hid positively denied Mr. Pollen shoot-
ing on his estate. To the.tenants, though they were not
exactly allowed, nothing was said.— The magistrates
knowing Mr. Polton to be • respectable man, and
believing he had no intention of trespasaing , finod him
in the mitigated penalty of 2s. and 9s. costs.
ANOTHER ROAD CABS FOR LMOATIOL—Ths Rev.
Henry John Buller v. the Wimborne Highway Board,
and the Waywardens of Hompreston.—This was an
application and complaint made by the rev. gentleman,
who is rector of Parley, against the above defendants, to
'bow canoe why they should not repair • certain high-
way situate in the perish of Hampreston, and used by
the public, beginning at the point where the said
highways leads from and out of the Poole and Ringwood
turnpike road, and extending from thence into the
highway, leadiag from Wimborne to Ringwood, and
containing in length 72 chains, 10 feet, and in breadth
from 12 to 13 feet, the said pariah of Hanipreston, being
by • provisional order of the Quarter Sessions included
In the Wnnborne Highway Board.—Mr. Sullen stated
that be bad known the road in question since 1839, and
bad used it. It was now out of repair, and dangerous
at one part—William Hull said he was • carpenter
residing at Longhorn, and was 58 years of ace. Knew
the road described in the information for 40 years arid
upwards. Had been in the habit of travelling by it
without interruption both on foot and in arts at all
times. The Oldie had generally used It during that
period. Had never known it repaired by any one.—Mr.
J. Proud, who appeared on behalf of the parish to
=mthe &pollu en tion, was than called by Mr. Buller,
old he had known the road 40 years. Had been
on it both with spring carts and brick carting. It was
never repaired that ha knew ot The majority of the
parish used It; hut he was instructed by the pariah to
oppose Mr. Buller's demand.—After examining • plan
of she road, the magistrates ordered an indictment at
the nut Quarter Bsuosp iM the neoeemary w;ineesee
be be elibpameaL

POOLS.
Tax RAILWAY Courrem.—A Public meeting will
be held to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at eight
o'clock, in order to elicit the opon of the
Inhabitants of Poole in reference to the resolution taken
by the shareholders of the London and South-Western
Railway
Company, relative to the Poole and Bonnie-
mouth Railway. It is stated that Mr. Charles Waring,
M.P., will attend.
THE COMING Sraeowdr„—lf the talk continues
respecting election matters until the time of election in
November next, we shall certainly be most heartily sick
of it; it wants full three months to the time of election,
and yet squilihe are already, like blackberries, very
plentiful, and addresses of candidates, each anxious for
aeal in PeriL"nellt, are to be found placarded about
In every borough town. In this town so many rumours
Sre afloat that it is very difficult to .get at the truth.
however, it appears certain that Mr. Charles Waring ;
the present member for Poole, will again contest the
borough. He is a Churchman, but is in favour of the din.
eatablishment of the Irish Church, and • supporter of
Mr. Gladstonels party ; Mr. Seymour, the second
member (who appears to have been abroad for • cond.
&raids time), is not likely to come forward again. He
has in his time greatly assisted the local charities. A
"farewell" address from that gentleman is shortly to be
published. Fir Ivor Berth) Guest, the Lord of the
Manor of Canford, has had a requisition presented to
him signed by Tories, Liberals, Wino, Conservative.,
and "Vat you please." This requisition is asking Sir
Ivor to come forward as a candidate for the representa.
tion of Poole at the next election. A reply has not yet
been received. It is stated that Mr. Holy, who has
before contested the borough, will again come forward,
but this remains to be seen.
A PRETTY FAMILY 140.0111111. —Oh Wednesday, the
public interest again was centered on tho Town-ball,
where the borough magistrates were investigating two
eases of au""ft by Charles Whittle on William John
Chalker, arising out of the unhappy differences between
the letter and his wife who is Whittle's sister. Mr.
and Mrs. Chalker have ,ern living apart for sonic time,
and Mr. Chalker has left the town, but returned bon"
on Monday to answer a County Cowl sem:none for •
debt contracted for by the lady. Whittle met with him
on his journey to the railway station, and • violent
altercation ensued, in which he struck Chalker and
kicked him. Chalker again visited the town on the
following day to take out • summons for assault, which
was duly served on Whittle, after which the parties
met again, and Whittle on this occasion made • more
serious and aggravated assault, knocking complainant
down, tearing his coat, and heating him, awarding to his
statement, shamefully. Ur. Iliewier appeared for eho
plaintiff, and Mr. Harker for the prisoner, in whose
behalf it was shown thathe had received great provocia-
Moe, Chalker having abused his wife, and applied to her
epithets which • brother could not hear in cold blood.
The Mayor said the Bench had taken into consideration
the provocation, but they must punish the prisoner for
breaking the law. He would be fined jt• and cost for
the first assault, or in default seven days' imprisonment,
and 206. and costs, or 14 days, for the second.
BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIISTY.-000 of the
meet interesting meetings of the Poole auxiliary of the
above excellent society that we ever remember attend-
ing was held on Thursday evening last in the Guildhall,
when there was a good deputation from the parent
society, several able speakers on behalf of the society,
and • large and highly respectable audience. The chair
was occupied by H. Kemp Welch, Eel. The meeting
was opened by prayer by the Rev. J. H. Osborne.
The chairman having made a few remarks, called upon
the secretary (the Rev. E. P. Blunt) to read the report.
It stated that the whole business of the Bible Society
in Poole is carried on by ladies of the town, and thit
the Poole auxiliary has to lament the death of the late
rector of St. James' (the Rev. A. Wilkinson, M.A.)
From the report we also learn that Mr. Wilkinson was
"for more than five and thirty years the firm, zealous,
and unwearied friend and supporter of the Bible
Society." The amount received by the parent society
during the pad year from the town of Poole is as
follows :—For Bibles and Testaments, £4O ; free contri-
butions, £33 75.; for Bible House, 1:3 is.; total, £76 As.
The Rev. Nicholas Hurry, of litournemonth, and the
Rev. Philip F. Elliott, of Bournemouth, each ably
advocated the claims of the British and Foreign Bible
Society, after which the deputation from the parent
society (the Rev. E. W. Pears, of Dorchester), addressed
the meeting. In the course of his admirable remarks
he alluded to the great difficulties that have to be over-
come in translating the Scripture., and the importance
of the work carried on by the society's agents in Austria,
Turkey, die. The Rev. J. Carr Glyn, of Witchampton,
alluded to the death of the Rev. A. Wilkinson and his
! career of usefulness, and to the important work carried
! on by the Bible Society in Italy, more especially at
Genoa, Florence, and Turin. The Rev. J. H. Osborne
bore te,timony to the extreme Christian kindness of the
late rector, and said he should rejoice to see the two
vacant pulpits in Poole—that of St. James iunl that of
the Independent chapel—filled by men who will know
nothing but "Christ anil Hint crucified." A few
remarks from the chairman brought the meeting to a
lhe doxology was then sung, and a collection
made on behalf of the funds of the society.

ABANDONMUT OF VIE BOURSINOLTII RAILWAY.—
At the meeting of the London aod South-Weatern
Railway, tut Thursday, the chairman (Captain Mangles)
said for the short lino between Canford Bottom and
l'oole the company had already an act, and their
experience in the matter of the Torrington scheme
warned thou what would be the oonsegoence of attempt-
ing to abandon it. As regarded the line between Poole
and IMunienemth, the dimmers had. in 11466. entered
into an agreement with Mr. Waring (subject, however,
to the approval of the shareholders); and it now became
necessary to determine what should be done with it.
Having regard to the rapid increase of Bournemouth
(which was something beyond all precedent), the board
advised that the undertaking should be carried out. In
onuclusion he moved a formal resolution approving
of the construction of the l'oole and Bournemouth line
under agreement with the Poole and Bournemouth Com-
pany and Messrs. Waring.—Mr. C. Castleman seconded
the motion.—Mr. Pager said he understood the position
to be this, that they were in no way committed to
making the line, and that it rested entirely with the
shareholders es to whether it should be carried out—
(hear, bear). He could see no neoessity whatever for
the making of a second line. If the landed proprietors
In the neighbourhood and the local residents generally
wanted the line, and felt such confidence in its success,
let them make it, and then come to this company and
uk them to work it— (hear, hear). He moved • formal
amendment to the effect that the existing ecoommoda-
non is sufficient, and the South Western refuse to make
the line.—Mr. Cox seconded the amendment.—
Mr. Elite, of the Western Railway Shareholders'
Association supported the amendment. —Mr. Tite,
ALP., did not think that Parliament would
sanction an abandonment of the line, and would, there'
fore, support the motion of the chairman.—Mr. Norton
thought that, if the line was likely to prove an valuable,
the advantages to be derived from it should be reaped
by the local inhabitants, and that they should have the
privilege of making It. He should oppose the South-
Western constructing it. —Mr. Lopez also thought that
if the directors were not in honour bound to make the
line, an endeavour should be made to get tid of it.—The
Chairman said that the decision was entirelg in the
hands of the shareholders. Ultimately the amendment
was carried amid loud cheers, with only • few dim-
, Pennants, and the proceedings then terminated with a
cordial vote of thanks to the chairman and directors.

BLINDFORD DIVISIONAL SESSIONS.
Atiorisr I.—Before J. J. Farquharson, Esq., Rev.
J. Watts, and E. A. Cutleman, Esq.
Camino or KILLING A MM.—Alfred Mahlment,
Junes Davis, Thomas Barnes, and John Benson, of
Blandford, were charged with being on Lord Portman's
land in the pariah of Pimperne, and using dogs for
killing a hare.—Mr. Chitty appeared for the defendants,
who pleaded not guilty.--Samuel Foot, keeper, said
that on Sunday, 9th August, he was walking down
blilldown Grove and heard a dog '.ink" out. Be
then saw four men some out of the allotment ground.
He knew two of them, Maidment and Barnes, by name,
but the others he did not than know by name. They
crossed over into • little bit of land where there was a
lime kiln, and then through two small fields belonging
to Mr. Nipperl One of them then went into Mr.
flower's stable field, and the other three went beck into
the allotment ground towards Shaftesbury-lane. One
of the dogs set up • hare in the mangold field and
killed it. Davis ran and got over the gate and came
back with the hare under his ann.—Crose-examined by
Mr. Chitty: I saw all the defendants there. It was
about 11 o'clook in the morning. I know that all the
parties had ground in the allotment field. I did
not me either of the defendants till the dog cried
out. After they went back into the allotment they did
not attempt to run away. I did not see either of
them encourage the dog. I was about 150 yards
off when I first saw them. The three defendants,
Maidment, Barnes, and Benson, had no dogs with them
when they came out of the allotment ground. I did not
see them hunting about with dogs.—Henry Shepherd
said that on Sunday, 9th inst.. he saw four men cows
out of the allotment ground, and go Into Yr. Domoney's
mangold. Soon after he saw two dogs after a hare.
Davis was the only man who followed them.— George
Hulett was called, but he could only corroborate the
keeper's statement, that four men came out of the
allotment ground.—Mr. Chitty submitted there was not
a tittle of evidence &phut three of the men, Maidment,
Barnes, and Benson, and with regard to Davis that
he could not be convicted under the information, as
there was no proof that he wee hunting with doge. The
men who had ground in the allotment field went to
look after their potatoes, and there wu not any evidence
given that the dogs belonged te either of them.—The
Bench dismissed the charge against liaidment, Barnes,
and Benson, and convicted the other defendant in the
penalty of 405., including costs, which he paid.
Tar/OAM IN SEARCH OF GAIIF--Georgo Vince, of
Blandford, pleaded guilty to trimpass in search of
rabbits, on land, belonging to Lord Portman, on the
19th July.—Fined 405., and in default committed for
one month.

--All-reel-Miles sad David Allen were also charged with
a similar °Renee, on lands belonging to Sir WBliam
Marriott, Bart., of the Down House, and having pleaded
guilty, and not being ready with money to psy their
fines (40s. each), were committed for one month.

A vnumor of E7Odamages, for slander, has been given
by • Cork jury to • national school teacher who had been
called a "Fenian" by the wife of a proprietor of mills in
that oonnty.

WIVE Nunn AT LIVIRPOOL.—Rome angry words
pared between a noel heaver named Howard and his
wife, at Liverpool, when, seising a table knife, be thrust
into her month, severing the carotid ..tory, and
oecasitrial
for
wilfulin murder.lnatanautsous death. Ho has been seat for

A BOY CRAIG= RTYII POI/1011M A FAMILY.—AII
errand boy? named Hoare, is ander remand at Exeter,
charged with attempting to poison the family of Er.
Gilbert, of the llomcoopatlie Dispensary, by putting
oialie add into a kettle from which the water was takra
for making the family's tea. The defence la that the
poison got into the water by accident.

- -
8111VANTGALIEll.—On Monday in action inil brought
at the Bloomsbury county court by a domertio servant
for compensation for being divilmized without notice.
Her master pleaded that after the family had been
served for some time with week tea the woman was
watched, arid it vu found that she poured out the first
brew into a jog for herself, then watered the remainder,
and took it upstairs. When taxed with the offence abe
wee abusive and was at onee &mime& Ma Donau
Ii!. jodgrasal to the roister.

EXECU'IION AT MAIDSTONE.
The murderer Wells was executed privately on
day morning in Maidstone gaol. Guilty of • deliberate
deed of blood, the wretched lad's fate has called forth
none of the usual attempts for commutation or reprieve,
and he went out of the world without • single hand
being raised to save his life. He was • railway pure;
in the employ of the London, Cbathain, and Do
reprimanded y ir
ynUeouipban Company, v
t lie:Lehr:
the ate rn.te, fo
who,aft:or..beiin mrildly,
wantonly firing off • pistol within the precincts of the
station, took careful aim at his official cieneurer, and
shot him dead. There was a cool atrocity about this
revengeo s that
wildly
to ,i
sympatby seems to have been withheld, and the. phrase
facanat. 1.
ed I,,iririet voL
sual
thud if ever murderer deserved to die it was tens fauly
disproportionatemeeaof p h ibtomp the
.
exprenes the public) feeling On tlii cue.
But it was the cir.umstances surrounding this exem-
Bon, rather than the soon, xecuted or his er;me which
will give the proceedings°, Thursday • special Claim to
notice. For the firet time in England the law has taken
Its course without the shameful accessories of a bowling,
screaming, struggling. blaspheming mob. Wells died
with about two dozen persona to wittiest' his supreme
agony, all of whom were hushed and solemn ; and in
his dying moments had nothing to disturb the fervent
exhortations of the spiritual instructor, who bold his
band and breathed consolation until the last. There
wan absolutely no oust. be seen nitride duties did not
compel his presence; and though the spectacle, or rather
its anticipations, were probably more harrowing than
any other scene of the hied, the execution itself was
commendably decorous, orderly, and brief. There was
no excitement in the teen. "Not one in a hundred
knows anything about it," was the opinion of • loul
sergeant of the polio, • and trade went on as usual—
shops were kept open, deltic continued within a stone's
throw of the hidden gallows, and neither military nor
police guard were to be seen about the prison. An
ominous-looking flagetaff over its doorway, and from
40 to 50 of the dregs of the population—consisting
principally of lade of from six to fifteen—squatting on
the pavement near, were the only outward signs that
anything unusual was going on. This was shortly
before ten, at which hour thou selected by the visiting
Pieties.' to wittiest the execution were admitted, and at
half•past the hanging was to take place. At a quarter
to ten a cab drove up to the New Inn, close by, and an
aged, white-baired, white-bearded man alighted, to be
received by the barman, or publican in waiting near
the tavern door, which, as if by arrangement, was
Gloried directly the mites occupant was inside. It was
curious to see the movement in the ft...wry ragged
fringe of men and Ids now. They knew who had
arrived as if by instinct. The 0110 sunburnt waste
who squatted opposite the prison door told the Irish
hop-picker, trying to sell matches who had come; the
listless expectant gazers at the flagstaff brightened up
rroeptibly ; and heads were turned and glances
fstened upon the New Inn. If they were right, and
Calcraft had indeed arrived quietly, unattended, and
only some three-qurten of an hour before the time
fixed for Wellies death, it wan certain he must come
through the tavern door sOOO. There was no other way
to the prison, and the road was broad and open, so that
he must be seen: There WU not much suspense—
just such a delay as drinking and paying for a stimu-
lating draught might occupy; and the old man
came out of the public-house again and made for the
prison gate. He was still alone, and did not choose the
shortest way. There are railings round the yard of the
court-house, and to these In made swiftly, following
their course even though it mode his own longer, and
half turning his face towards them as if eager to escape
the attentions of the ragged troop running to greet him.
He seemed to cling to the railing like an animal eager
to .burrow, and searching in vain for an open place.
Dressed in a full suit of black and glossy broad-cloth,
with black gloves, a (shiny chimney-pot het with a
shabby little carpet-bag in his hands; dean shirted,
corpulent, and with • gold chain and pendants upon
his cheat, he might have been a oomfortaWe member of
the middle clause, an elderly man with a good warm
balance at his bankers:, a parochial dignitary, or a
retired tradesmen about to oohed his rents. This only
till you LAW his face. It would be fanciful to say his
dreadful calling WAS written on it ; yet there is some-
thing assuredly in Be half-fawning, half-callous look,
which suggests evil, and the boys who rushed up to look
at the the man who was about to bang Wells, turned
away laughing when he disappeared behind the
prison-door, and, proud of their acumen, explained
delightedly to each other what the carpet-hag held.
Straps, and buckles, and a rope; the tools of his trails;
the implements by aid of which the criminal was to die,
formed the hanunan's burden ; and the bag containing
them dangled in his hand, much as if it were • clay's
supply of linen. his arrival was the one feeble spasm
of excitement the little crowd enjoyed. The under-
sheriff and the doctor arrived almost unnoticed, and by
five minutiae past ten all who were to see or take part
in the execution were in the gaol. Then came • terrible
half-hour, No one knew exactly to what extent this
would vary from previous execution,. The one thing
certain was that all present were about to see • fellow
creature killed, and that without any of the adjuncts
which by the very indignation and horror they arouse
and divert the mind from the one bard, black fact that a
violent death is imminent. The door within a door is
dosed by a warderneul after a few seconds' delay, during
which the came of the people arriving are entered in
the prison-books, all are led by mother warder across a
spacious pad and up SOMA atone stars to the right into
what seems the centre of the building. A few paces,
some unlockinx of ponderous doors, and we are in the
roundhouse of the geoL Weide re emu and impel t orbable
receive us, and, glancing round, we find ourselves in a
circular rooin,with windows looking into different yards,
and overlooking the windowed the various cells of the
prison. It is strangely quiet. Men speak, as if by
°winner' COOSOLL in whispers. The clank Of the warder's
keys—attached to the want by a steel chain, and fitted
into a black leather sheath at the gide—and the harsh
groan of locking and donble-locking of doors in the
vicinity, are almost the ouly breaks in the appalling,
death-like silence. There are some five hundred
prisoners in the gaol, not one of whom is either seen or
heard. Men ask the officials in tones low to hoarseness
common-place questions silo how the criminal has
passed the night; ani how our the cell lies to our
waiting place. A hurried unlocking of • door, and a
warder rushes hastily into the round-house, and. Pro-
ceeding to • locker, takes from it a bottle, while two of
his colleagues, in obedience to his rapid whisper,
supply him with a tumbler and • tin can. The one
is half filled with spirit and the other contains
water, and both are taken the way the warder came.
Before thim, a figure in black is seen in earnest
conversation at the gate ; then a slender file
of youths in prison dress and with grotesque reps upon
their heals are marched from one pert of the gaol to
another by a weeder, none of them looking right or
left. The figure in black is the chaplain of the gaol,
whose simple cassock gives him a mysterious look dne
only to the painful excitement of the time. Soon after
the warder's disappearance with the spirit an elderly
gentlemen comes from the condemned man, and turns
his face to the well as if vainly struggling with emotion.
The horrible suggestiveness of these common-plum
incidents was heightened by the demeanour of Cideraf
who could be seen ohatting and laughing in one of the
several yard' into which the roundhouse looked. He
was waiting too. His companion was a fellow-hangman
—Smith, of Dudley—e, man of very different exterior
to himself. There was none of time varnish of respect-
ability here. A capacious velveteen jacket and waist-
coat, • brosdley-etriped shirt, and one of those closely-
shaven close-crop faces with restlees ferretty eyes to be
been in abundance whenever the London rough is to the
fore, made this man recall the prize-ring, the betting
list, and the acrobat of our streets. These two officers
of the law walked to and fro together, eluding under
the shelter of the prison-eaves when the rain began to fall.
It was as impossible to avoid speculating upon their
thoughts and talk as toavoid reflecting upon the nature of
their calling, their dreadful experiences, and the noes to
which their bands and arms would be shortly put. Soon
after tweuty.five minutes past ten the twelve strangers
assembled in the round-house were summoned silently
by • warder, and, descending some few steps, were in •
stone cell and on • level with the yards. This was
empty before they arrived ; and another brief delay
took place. "Calm-aft hadn't gone for his straps yet,"
it WU explained. "and we should be quite moon enough
if we saw him after the pinioning was over." A warder
with a phial of sal volatile in his hand passed through
the cell, and all present waited on, expecting and
dreading the Anil gammons. The place was close, warm,
and bare of furniture as a tomb. It formed • passage to
another cell, through which at • given signal we pro.
needed into an open yard. This did not seem to be
more than thirty feet square, and had lofty • ans. A
barrier was fixed between the people arriving now, and
the group under cover at its opposite end. Under a
shed which had but three sides, and which was as fully
open to our view as if it were part of a room in wbich
we were, and at • clistenee of, perhaps, twenty feet,
stood a abort, but strongly built youth in a railway
porter's dress. The corduroy mit, the stout laced-up
bools, the red lettering "L. C. I). FL. C." on his jacket
collar, and the small red flower in his waistcoat button-
hole, made up a strangely familiar figure. Ilis arms
were already strapped up ;the chaplain, in surplice, was
reading the atrial aortic., • Oaleraft was nimbly arrang-
ing buckles and the Wilier, and the other hangmen's
keen eyes were waiting for the signal to draw the bolt,
when another quavering voice mingled strangely with
the clergyman's. Wells began to sing :
nappy soul, thy days are ended,
All thy mourning days below,
Co, by angel friends attended,
To the throne of Jesus go.
His oyes bad been closed from the first, and were never
opened. But the head and face turned upwards so far
as straps and ropes would allow, and in a low end
tremulous channt—u if some old Sunda y school experi-
ence were revived—he cromnieneed the hymn, and con-
tinued singing it after Caleraft had pulled the white
night-cap over his face. The effect of this action on the
part of Wells is simply indescribable. His face was
not white, but of • dullilivid hue, and looked unnaturally
broad and puffy. lie Ind been deprived of all volition,
and could neither move hand nor foot. With arms
er
hw iorti
remained t haUhdidh when
hideous
strapped closely to his side and body motionless, he
ig
is
looked like the idol of some Indian Jou-house suddenly
tecihn:dtotetow:edesthwaimeithulie. *named alive, but
sinueg.wohyeinnCalthecrafa: loonkeedreawt:mniothd,nalinnd:
harp and half
Itthehdormop
befellhi—ndbetwiathe
nd
two ds,
the body of the (bins MILD, after swinging half wa
uthme.,:trtit.pdooongrlciatinnallP"isohti.een. craft
ateadij
round, resumed
remained
aibernlierinplittievinodannalycespenekaren. ofßefwohreualflltetedz:n", extinct,
the
presentce
:3 oa cpe. o were
deepn I s i
strugglesht do
o fa n the ppstrappedit°l
rapidly
h_hanging
d through
bands,
f thø
to the prison,
where they would remain until the tinaenef;ur
gurglinp, which were heard distinctle "lath!
tb. neck,
under
Sittene&rtlywbyhetrehotsehewheosterpauift'infut dsuucthywjoie
which turned blue, and disoolouration f
was to look
cuttine
on. The two hangmen slunk away in
b:ltymiditheownp,recinan hcouuralatbteerm. Tlhaet
sunset,
The
Home
Secretary
two, aniedottbedobodway
inw:ageibtionzian:
which were
complied with as far as peeejnie ; and tha visiting
justices merit the highest praise for the thought-
hacfnalrthdwoafy
otintmwThhoichme
mitt acmuctervotdrainnful arrsagethemenpots were
4wwere
sew
wes
"of Mire,pnlatiblia;mrTbemehlitnupety
boshalfortainathe repressegati. caw

death. PeriODALOII or fraud are impossible when there
are but • few feet between the man hanged and those
appointed to look on. The gallows, it should be
mentioned, is situate under the shed, and consisted of
two uprights and across-beam with iron supports. The
false Boor under these is on a level with the rest of
the yard, and the necessary fall is obtained by steam.
lion, and a flour, part of which falls on its hinges in
the fashion of a door. Their is neither room nor
necessity for the hangman to go below to pull tho
legs, as was the tan in the old drops. The majority of
the strangers left the gaol b. fore eleven to find the
black (lag hanging limply round the flag staff at the door,
and to be asked eagerly by the few ragged urchins in
waiting whether "the cove was hung up yet." The
underaheriff (Mr. Furley), the chaplain (the Rev. Mr.
Fraser), and the whole of the warders, discharged %tn.
usually trying duties in a way entitling them to the
praise already given to the visiting justic s of Maidstoue.
Another atutlenian present, whom we took to be is
stranger, was afterwards saki to be the governor of lb°
gaol.