Twice have I go to see murderers hung.

Once I was helper to the hangman, that I might hear and know what the man said, what he felt.

When the arms were bound, I felt the straps on my own; when the cap come down, I gasp for breath; when the bolt is shot, I feel the wrench and the choke, and shudder go through myself--feel the world jerk out in the dark.

When the body is bundled in the pit, I see myself lie still under the quick-lime with the red mark round my throat." Charley touched him on the shoulder.

"Jo--poor Jo, my friend!" he said.
Jo raised his eyes, red with an unnatural fire, deep with gratitude.
"As I sit at my dinner, with the sun shining and the woods green and glad, and all the world gay, I have see what happened all over again.
I have see his strong hands; his bad face laugh at my words; I have see him raise his riding-whip and cut me across the head.