They continued sitting on the bench or form to which they had been led.
From time to time the sheriffs referred to their watches. The under
sheriff, who had been doing the same, now exhibited his timepiece to his
superior. It wanted five minutes to eight. Sir Thomas, by a slight
inclination of the head, intimated that he comprehended what was intended
to be conveyed.
"Had we not better move?" he inquired, addressing himself, in a tone but
little above a whisper, to the ordinary.
"I think we had:" the functionary just mentioned rejoined--"the last time
you know, we were rather late."
The under sheriff waved his hand for the spectators to stand aside. His
gesture was promptly attended to. The sheriffs', holding their wands in
their hands, then presented themselves as ready to march in procession.
Immediately after them the minister appeared, with his open book; the
culprits were next brought forward, and placed immediately behind him. The
spectators, who had given way on the sides, prepared to bring up the rear,
were admonished by the under sheriff not to press on the sufferers; and
strange as it may seem, the intrusive curiosity of some of the party,
impressed upon me a belief that this hint was not altogether unnecessary.
(_To be concluded in our next_.)
* * * * *
FINE ARTS.
* * * * *
THE PRESENT STATE OF DUTCH PAINTERS.
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