l
close their eyes, and think, or try to get their straying thoughts
together. Only one, and he a miserable creature, of a crazed
aspect, is so shattered and made drunk by horror, that he sings,
and tries to dance. Not one of the whole number appeals by look
or gesture, to the pity of the people.
There is a guard of sundry horsemen riding abreast of the
tumbrils, and faces are often turned up to some of them, and they
are asked some question. It would seem to be always the same
question, for it is always followed by a press of people towards the
third cart. The horsemen abreast of that cart, frequently point out
one man in it with their swords. The leading curiosity is, to know
which is he; he stands at the back of the tumbril with his head
Charles Dickens ElecBook Classics
bent down, to converse with a mere girI who sits on the side of the
cart, and holds his hand. He has no curiosity or care for the scene
about him, and always speaks to the girl. Here and there in the
long street of St. Honore, cries are raised against him. If they move
him at all, it is only to a quiet smile, as he shakes his hair a little
more loosely about his face. He cannot easily touch his face, his
arms being bound.
On the steps of a church, awaiting the coming-up of the
tumbrils, stands the Spy and prison-sheep. He looks into the first
of th