bserved from the gratings that opened up to the
day, a more appalling sight can not be conceived, nor one of more moral
grandeur, than that of the single man standing within their grasp, and
exposed to be torn limb from limb instantly if a word or look should add
to the already intense excitement.

11. That excitement, too, was of a most dangerous kind. It broke not forth
in noise and imprecations, but was seen only in the dark looks and the
strained nerves that showed a deep determination. The officer
expostulated. He reminded them of the hopelessness of escape; that the
town was alarmed, and that the government of the prison would submit to
nothing but unconditional surrender. He said that all those who would go
quietly away should be forgiven for this offense; but that if every
prisoner were killed in the contest, power enough would be obtained to
enforce the regulations of the prison.

12. They replied that they expected that some would be killed,--that
death would be better than such imprisonment; and, with that look and tone
which bespeak an indomitable purpose, they declared that not a man should
leave the hall alive till the flogging was remitted. At this period of the
discussion their evil passions seemed to be more inflamed, and one or two
offered to destroy the officer, who still stood firmer and with a more
temperate pulse than did his friends, who saw from above, but could not
avert, the danger that threatened him.

13. Just at this moment, and in about fifteen minutes from the
commencement of the tumult, the officer saw the feet of the marines, on
whose presence alone he relied for succor, filing by the small upper
lights. Without any apparent anxiety, he had repeatedly turned his
attention to their approach; and now he knew that it was his only time to
escape, before the conflict became, as was expected, one of the most dark
and dreadful in the world.

14. He stepped slowly backward, still urging them to depart before the
officers were driven to use the last resort of firearms. When within three
or four feet of the door, it was opened, and closed instantly again as he
sprang through, and was thus unexpectedly restored to his friends.

15. Major Wainright was requested to order his men to fire down upon the
convicts through the little windows, first with powder and then with ball,
till they were willing to retreat; but he took a wiser as well as a bolder
course, relying upon the effect which firm deter