New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-02


ates the love romance ard sheds glory
round the amiable figure Of the Bishop who
appears in two OF the tales and there is quite
a sporting baronet air about the Charleys and
Jinmys and Willies. whose pink coats blush
through these pages. Let us not take the book
too seriously. 1t has something Of humor, it
has neatncss Of finish and nimblencss of move
Il mt; and those who like this kind of literature
will probably like it very much.
1t is rot much more than q hundred years
ago that British law permitted woman to be
burned olive for what called petty trea-
SON." that is. the murder Of her husband. Such
a case OF burning took place az Shrewsbury in
119O and it is this terrible episode OF barbarity
which Mr.. Barring Gould has dcftly woven into
the most effective portion Of his novel; The
plot itself turns on a game OF bowls wherein
the heroine is forced to become the prize Of
rascally father urgent to be rid Of her. These
and other curious phases Of eighteenth century
life in EAgland are cicyerly described, and
these descriptions give force and animation to
story whose characters have no particular
originality or individuality. AS a student Of
old-world customs Mr.. Barins-Gould is indie
fatgable. and the results OF his researches are
always interesting This semi-historcal ele-
ment has often serTCd TO help him through
Stories which would otheTN Use have been COM
mOnplacc enough. We will quote his account
OF the supposed murdercsss execution since it
gives an excellent Illustration of his most sue
cessful work and describes memorable custom:
The old woman conveyed the gown she had
taken from her who was to be burnt into a
closet where she kept supply OF old garments
Whilst she was absent tears streamed over the
pale cheeks Of Badys and a shudder ran
through her frame But by the time Mrs. Onion
had disposed of the spoil and was able to re-
turn to her all traces Of emotion were past
she was selfpOsSessed as before
The cart is already at the gate, and we
must attend her" said the executlOncrs mother.
81 doubt not that shall have trouble with
the creature.
An appealing look from the poor woman and
q clasp Of the hand had been given to Bladys.
and had been answered by her. Instinct and
not reason had told the condemned murderess
that there was one heart present that pltled
her that bed for her
The paroxysms of terror and struggle to be
free were past. she had subsidized into n con-
dition Of stupefaction the dreaded moment
arrived. Despair. like sudden frost had en-
chained all her faculties. She suffered her
self 10 be partly led. partly carried, from the
cell through the castleyard and gate and to be
lifted into the cart that was TO convey her TO the
spot where she was 70 die
Manacles were about her wrists, and an end
of a chain attached to them was fastened to
portion Of the side of the tumbril 1t was
deemed advisable to secure her against another
outbreak Of frenzied effort to escape.
The tumbril arrived at the descent toward the
Severn and those seated in it could see the
narrow street. winding among black-timbered
and pastered houses. packed with people. ana
the jaVelin men thrusting and pushing their
way with difficulty. as to effect clearance
and open a road for the cart.
The woman on her way TO death was SILVER
ing as though with frost in the marrow OF
her bones and her teeth chartered Turning a
CHASTITY face on Bladys. she stammered; lhere
is the bridge. there is the, and with
Shrek she threw herself upon the girl who was
sitting with her. Save mel save ne! and
will give you something worth your pains. |
will give it you. it shall be all your own
A fire burning in extemporized crate OF
iron bars and bricks near the ground, composer
OF dry wood, blaZed merrily. throwing up SpiTaiS
of flame and a light, pungent smoke. me
purpose was obvious enough. AT TINS CRATE
were to be kindled the brands by means OF
which the pyre was 10 be lighted simultaneously
in three places.
The poor victim, on seeing the flames and
smelling the reek which blew in her face, be
came again desperate. and writhed with Sucn
force that il required four men 10 RESTRAIN
her
Her cries and the sight OF the struggle sent
thrill of terrible ecstasy through the spectators
Even the most caous shuddered Some turned
sick and faint and ebOwed their way out or the
crowd unable to endure more.
When the unhappy creature became visible In
the arms Of the executioners who were by man
force lifting her upon the pyre. and when they
saw the hoOp being riveted about her, then all
who Witnessed the proceedings uttered 4 gasp
Those who could see nothing made ifahtic ei-
forts 20 elevate themselves oy leaplng. staining
on tiptOe graphing such as were taller thah
themselves one fond father lifted his little
child to his shoulder and believed he vas giving
him fine moral ODjeCt-leSsOn
And now the hangman slipped cord about
the neck Of the condemned wOma, and passed
It round the stake. She endeavored 10 get at II
with her hands but they were fastened behind
her back. then to bite it asunder with her teeth