笔趣屋

第276章（第2页）

things on their last roadside, with an impassive stare; others, with

a lingering interest in the ways of life and men. Some, seated with

drooping heads, are sunk in silent despair; again, there are some

so heedful of their looks that they cast upon the multitude such

glances as they have seen in theatres, and in pictures. Several

close their eyes, and think, or try to get their straying thoughts

together. Only one, and he a miserable creature, of a crazed

aspect, is so shattered and made drunk by horror, that he sings,

and tries to dance. Not one of the whole number appeals by look

or gesture, to the pity of the people.

There is a guard of sundry horsemen riding abreast of the

tumbrils, and faces are often turned up to some of them, and they

are asked some question. It would seem to be always the same

question, for it is always followed by a press of people towards the

third cart. The horsemen abreast of that cart, frequently point out

one man in it with their swords. The leading curiosity is, to know

which is he; he stands at the back of the tumbril with his head

Charles Dickens ElecBook Classics