His senses awakened to the fetid stench of death emanating from the platform and the sharp prickles of the thick hemp rope, the hangman drawing it snug about his neck and then suddenly pulling it taut. The abrupt, crushing tension on his Adam's apple caused him to gasp and choke. The frenzied crowd roared in a cacophony of bloodlust, sensing the climactic moment imminently approaching. He shuddered involuntarily. Sweat broke from his brow, slowly dripping down onto his closed lids. His raspy breathing came faster, though he willed it otherwise. Suddenly, as the hangman prepared to release the hatch beneath his feet, there was deathly silence. His stomach lurched, and he fought for control, willing his body to obedience. If he must die today, by God, he would do it with dignity. He opened his eyes again to scan the crowd, desperately seeking a final glimpse of his love, one last gaze at her lovely face. He sought in vain. Squaring his shoulders and closing his eyes for the last time, he heard, rather than saw, the hangman release the trap door… Gasping and choking, Robert awoke abruptly to the sound of the key rattling in his locked door.
