The herald., 1898-01-08

full of repetitions and protestations OF
his innocence, in a low. sing-song
growing slightly vehement as he de-
clared that he was not guilty of the
crime for which he had been sent to the
gallows.
His father, who stood with eyes dry
and fearless on the floor in front of his
son, showed back the nearest bystanders
as though fearful that they should fall
in respect to one so near his earthly
end. But the crowd, though breathless
and curious, was not exultant; was not
mob, and no sound of approval or the
contrary disturbed the speaker, nor dis
turbed the ghastly proceedings. Dur
rant finished calmly with a falling into
nation, and the guards, impatient for
their task, for the suspense was harder
on them than on the prisoner. drew the
sable hood over his head. There was no
change in the expression of the man.
do you wish me to say anything
Well, would like to say this. l have
no animosity against any one, nor even
against those who have prosecuted me
and who have bounded me to my grave
innocent as I am. 1 forgive them all.
They will receive their justice in the holy
God above, to whom now go to receive
my justice, which will be the Justice
given to an innocent boy, who has not
stained his hands with crimes that have
been put upon him by the press Of Bar
Francisco, but forgive them sll."
When Durrant referred to the part IT,
his destiny played by the newspapers n
seemed to grow angry, and tried Il
make gestures with his pinioned armA
Father Lagan evidently thought he ha1
said enough. and sought to check him,
but ths speech was not finished, and, go
ing on, he said: II do not hold anything
against the reporters. I do not look
upon them as enemies. forgive Them
as expect to be forgiven for everything
that I have done. but the fair name of
California will be forever blackened
with the crime Of taking this innocent
blood, and whether or not they ever dis
cover the Commuters of this crime mat
ters little to me now, for 1, before the
world, announce my innocence for the
last time, and to those who have in
sinuated that 1 was going to spring a
sensation of any kind, 1 must say there
is no sensation other than that which I
have said. Those who wish to con-
slider it a sensation may do so, but am
innocent of the crimes charged to me
before God, who knows the heart and
can read the mind. I am innocent
THE DROP FALLS
The words were delivered slowly and
distinctly and without emphasis. The
eager crowd of spectators grouped
closer to the wooden frame work that
hey might not lose a word of what was
being said. Not a sound could be heard
except the even tones of the man about
10 die.
Durrant finished quietly and had
scarcely ceased when the black cap was
placed over his face. At the same In
slant Hangman Lunt raised his hand,
he trap was sprung. and, with a rattle,
0urrant's body shot through the OPEN
ng. There was a sound as Of stout
'ope being drawn taut and a broken
lecked criminal swayed to and fro for
moment, when the body became mo-
ionless. The crowd surged forward,
,ut the warden's voice was heard to
xclaim: stand back The doctors,
however, were permitted to go forward.
where they felt the pulse and finally
lecided that Durrant was dead.
In just eleven minutes and twenty
light seconds all signs Of life had van
shed, and the most noted criminal of the
nineteenth century was officially dead |
he body was allowed to hang for If |
cen minutes. when it was cut down and
laced In black coffin provided by an
ndertaker from San Francisco.
1t is not yet known what disposition |
f the body will be made, as Durrant's |
arents have been so far unable to Sc |
ure accommodations in any of the |
,cal cemeteries for the body of their |
on. 1t is very probable that the body |
,ill be cremated. AS soon as the drop |
ell the spectators were hurried out of |
he room and nobody remained except |
he physicians and newspaper men.
Durrant. ST., Immediately went to his
7ife, who was sitting in one of the
uard rooms, and together they ac-
the body of their son to San
francisco.
ABOUT THE SCAFFOLD
The prison officials were all enthusiast
lc in their praise of Durrant's nerve.
had been feared by them that in spite
I his apparent bravado that the con-
emned man would break down at the
lst moment and make scene. At one