were cast upward, and, so it seemed to me, an angelic smile played over
her countenance. Could those demons in human shape have the heart to
burn so young and innocent a creature? A'Dale and I, seeing this, began
to speak more boldly to the people round us. We asked them if they were
men to submit to such tyranny. Would they wish to see their own
daughters, and wives, and sisters, burn before their eyes?

"You see those innocent people about to be put to a cruel death!"
exclaimed A'Dale; "after burning them, the same men will proceed on to
burn those you love. Strike a brave blow now, and you will make them
quail before you."

The people applauded us, but few seemed disposed to move. They had no
weapons except thick sticks, and the guards were well-armed. Whether
notice of the temper of the crowd reached the ears of the authorities, I
know not, but they seemed eager to hasten on with the executions. A
band of vile ruffians, who for wretched pay would commit any atrocity,
were engaged in surrounding each stake with faggots. In a few minutes
more, fire would be set to the piles.

"There is no time to be lost!" I exclaimed to A'Dale; "we must make the
venture now, or it will avail nothing."

"Men, Englishmen, countrymen, will you allow those innocent ones to
perish before your eyes, and not endeavour to save them?" exclaimed
A'Dale. "On, men, on!" but the crowd stood back.

A few bold spirits joined us in urging on the rest; but unless a general
rush were made, nothing could be done. I felt as if my heart would
burst with indignation and dread--indignation that strong men should see
innocent ones suffer, dread lest our efforts might be unavailing.
A'Dale and I rushed among the crowd, calling on them to come on. Our
actions were perceived, though our words may not have been heard, by
those in authority. Guards were advancing towards us. The magistrates
ordered the executioners to proceed with their work.

Already the victims were chained to the stakes, and the ruffian
assistants hurried forward with faggots. We shouted--we implored the
people to face the guards, and to rescue the prisoners. All our
efforts, we feared, would be in vain. The magistrates shouted to the
executioners to bring forward the torches. Happily they had been
forgotten, and no one was ready with a light. The Bishop and the
priests stormed and raged. At length some ruffians were seen in the
distance, waving torches and hurryi