"Stop all
this!" he cried again; "I've been the ruin of the father and the
death of the child. Hang me before I do more harm! Hang me, for
God's sake, out of the way!" As soon as the shock produced by
this extraordinary interruption had subsided, he was removed, and
there followed a long discussion about whether he was of sound
mind or not. The matter was left to the jury to decide by their
verdict. They found him guilty of the charge of manslaughter,
without the excuse of insanity. He was brought up again, and
condemned to transportation for life. All he did, on hearing the
dreadful sentence, was to reiterate his desperate words: "Hang me
before I do more harm! Hang me, for God's sake, out of the way!"
June 20th. I made yesterday's entry in sadness of heart, and I
have not been better in my spirits to-day. It is something to
have brought the murderer to the punishment that he deserves. But
the knowledge that this most righteous act of retribution is
accomplished brings no consolation with it. The law does indeed
punish Noah Truscott for his crime, but can it raise up Mary
Mallinson from her last resting-place in the churchyard?
While writing of the law, I ought to record that the heartless
wretch who allowed Mary to be struck down in his presence without
making an attempt to defend her is not likely to escape with
perfect impunity.
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