“A plain proof he was not shamming. A bucket of water thrown over any one about to faint would always bring them to; but if a man had made up his mind to sham, he could do it in spite of water. Of course you will take him down now?” “Not till fresh orders.” “On your peril be it if any harm befalls this prisoner--you are warned.” At this juncture Hawes came into the yard. His cheek was flushed and his eye glittered. He expected and rather hoped a collision with his reverence. “Well, what is the matter?” “Nothing, sir; only his reverence is threatening us.” “What is he threatening you for?” “Mr. Hawes, I told these men that I should hold them responsible if any harm came to the prisoner for their cruelty. I now tell you that he has just fainted from bodily distress caused by this infernal engine, and I hold you, Mr. Hawes, responsible for this man's life and well-being, which are here attacked contrary to the custom of all her majesty's prisons, and contrary to the intention of all punishment, which is for the culprit's good, not for his injury either in soul or body. “And what will you do?” said Hawes, glaring contemptuously at the turnkeys, who wore rather a blank look. “Mr. Hawes,” replied the other gravely, “I have spoken to warn you, not to threaten you.” “What I do is done with the consent of the visiting justices. They are my masters, and no one else.” “They have not seen a prisoner crucified.” “Crucified! What d'ye mean by crucified?” “Don't you see that the torture before our eyes is crucifixion?” “No! I don't. No nails!” “Nails were not always used in crucifixion; sometimes cords. Don't deceive yourself with a name; nothing misleads like a false name. This punishment is falsely called the jacket--it is jacket, collar, straps, applied with cruelty. It is crucifixion minus nails but plus a collar.” “Whatever it is, the justices have seen and approved it. Haven't they, Fry?” “That they have, sir; scores of times.” “Then may Heaven forgive them and direct me.” And the chaplain entered the cell despondently, and bent his pitying eye steadily on the thief, who seemed to him at the moment a better companion than the three honest but cruel men. He waited there very, very sorrowful and thoughtful for more than half an hour. Then Hawes, who left the yard as soon as he had conquered his opponent, sent in Evans with an order to take Robinson to his dormitory.