It was more than half full, and in all respects resembled the other pit, except that it was somewhat smaller.

There was the same heaving and putrefying mass,--the same ghastly objects of every kind,--the grey-headed old man, the dark-haired maiden, the tender infant,--all huddled together.

Wheeling the barrow to the edge of the pit, the watchman cast his load into it; and without even tarrying to throw a handful of soil over it, turned back, and rejoined Thirlby, who had halted at some distance from the excavation.

While the latter was searching for his purse to reward the watchman, they heard wild shrieks in the adjoining field, and the next moment perceived the wretched mother running towards them.

Guessing her purpose from his former experience, Leonard called to the others to stop her, and stretching out his arms, placed himself in her path.