Page:Life of David Haggart who was executed at Edinburgh, 18th July, 1821 for the murder of the Dumfries jailor (2).pdf/18

 18 MURDERER Some seemed sorry, and some terrified for him ; but there was not one of them all so 'sorry, or so terrified as himself. He plunged through them, rat ling his chains, and making a great show of courage, but his heart was shaking at the thought of poor Morrin. As he went : up the narrow stair to the cells, he had tom pass the very spot where he struck him ; and oh! it was like fire under his feet. He was locked up in his old cell, and the greater part of the Irish irons were taken off him. He was kept at Dumfries about three weeks, during which he was twice examined before the Sheriff; but they could not get what they call a declara- tion out of him, for he knew that would be used against him, so he thought it as well to keep his tongue within his teeth; and this he would advise every man who is accused of a crime to do, whether he is innocent or guilty. But when the examin- ation was over, he offered to tell the whole of his story to them privately, and he did tell a good deal of it. From Dumfries he was conveyed to Edinburgh Jail and placed once more un- der the charge of Captain Sibbald, the kindest and the best jailor in the world. His word may be taken for this, as he has had some experience. He was soon after