The boy travellers in the Far East : adventures of two youths ... - Library

BEHEADING A CRIMINAL. 221
itself is performed in the twinkling of an ej'e, or, rather, in the twinkling
of a sword. It is a single flash, and all is over.
" When I was in Japan the first time, I was invited to be present at an
execution, and, as I had a scientific reason for being there, I accepted the
invitation. As a friend and myself approached the prison we met a large
crowd, and were told that the prisoner was being paraded through the
streets, so that the public could see him. There was quite a procession to
escort the poor fellow', and the people seemed to have very little sympathy
for him, as they were doubtless hardened by the frecpiency of these oc-
currences. In front of the procession there were two men bearing large
placards, like banners. One of the placards announced the name and
residence of the victim, and the other the crime of which he had been
convicted, together with his sentence. Close behind these men was the
prisoner, tied to the horse on which he rode, and guaixled by a couple
of soldiers. Following him were more soldiers, and then came a couple
of officers, with their attendants ; for at that time every officer had a
certain number of retainers, who follow'ed him everywhere. We joined
the party and went to the prison-yard, where we found the ground ready
prepared for the execution. But first, according to the usual custom,
the prisoner was provided with a ^.^
hearty breakfast ; and it was rather ^ TsS^^ES^ -^5-_
an astonishing circumstance that he
ate it with an excellent appetite,
though he complained of one dish
as being unhealthy. In half an hour
or so he had finished, and was led
to the spot where he was to lose his
head. He was recpiired to kneel behind
a small hole that had been dug
to receive his head ; a bandage was
tied around his eyes, and as it was
fastened he said 'Sayonara' to his
friends and everybody present. When
all was ready, the officer in command
gave the signal, and the executioner,
with a single blow, severed the head
fi'om tlie body. It fell into the hole
prepared for it, and was immediate-
ly picked up and washed. Then the
"^s=^==^=si:-2|i
procession was formed again, and tiie UKUEAIIINO A CRIMINAL.