On the top of the Sidbury-gate a gallows had been reared. So lofty was it, that it could be seen from most parts of the city, while it formed a conspicuous object to the enemy on the heights. Towards this extraordinary gallows every eye was now directed. Deep silence pervaded the vast assemblage. At length the hangman came forth, and, climbing the long ladder quickly, seated himself astride on the transverse bar of the gallows, and proceeded deliberately to fasten the fatal rope to it. While he was thus occupied, the prisoner appeared, still guarded by Lieutenant Vosper, Trubshaw, and the halberdiers, and his appearance was the signal for a renewal of the terrible outcries that had before assailed him. He bore them undauntedly, continuing perfectly motionless, until the executioner called out from above that all was ready. He then sprang quickly up the ladder, as if eager to meet his doom. In another minute all was over, and his body swinging in mid air; while a universal groan--though not a groan of pity--burst from the spectators. Thus died the traitor Gives, whose name is still execrated in faithful Worcester. At the moment when Urso was launched into eternity, the discharge of a cannon from Fort Royal informed Cromwell that the spy he had employed had been punished with death. Cromwell, who was with Lilburn and Lord Grey of Groby on Perry Wood at the time, could not control his rage. "The man's execution is justified by the laws of war," he said; "but it shall cost the citizens of Worcester dear. The great service he rendered us last night shall be requited as he desired. His widow shall have the reward I intended for him." "How much is it to be?" asked Lord Grey. "Two hundred pounds, and a pension of two hundred a year," replied Cromwell. "A good reward, in sooth," said Lord Grey. "She will be well consoled for his loss." CHAPTER XXII. HOW THE EARL OF DERBY ARRIVED AT WORCESTER. The end of August had arrived. The anniversary of the battle of Dunbar--fought on the 3rd of September, 1650--was close at hand. Cromwell, as we have shown, had resolved to wait for this auspicious day, if he should not be forced by the king to accept a battle sooner. But Charles had been so much discouraged by the failure of the camisade that he hesitated--perhaps too long--before risking a general engagement. A few unimportant skirmishes had taken place between the outposts, sometimes with advantage to one party, sometimes to the other, but these were all.