178 BRIGHTON BILL 



Reader, this was a man known as Brighton Bill — his 

 real name I never knew — but that he was of respectable 

 parents, and intended by them for a better calling, I was 

 convinced. When two days afterwards I saw his con- 

 tused and distorted countenance, the only part visible 

 from under the bedclothes at the " Wheatsheaf " at Back- 

 way, when he was deserted by all, and had no friend or 

 relative near to watch over his fast-departing spirit, I 

 could not restrain a tear. The spectacle thrilling my 

 inward parts with horroi', I silently, as I descended the 

 stairs, invoked a curse on such barbarous practices, as 

 well as on the authors of his death. He expired before 

 my return the next day ; and on my arrival in town, I 

 was met by an editor, who generally reported in full these 

 disgusting exhibitions, whom I had long known. In 

 answer to his inquiries, I told him the man was dead. 

 " Then," cried he, turning to go away, " they must toddle," 

 — meaning that his murderers must leave the country. 

 This was all the solicitude expressed by this organ of the 

 fancy, as it was termed, for one who, from a desire to 

 become a distinguished member of it, had fallen a victim 

 to the most brutal jDractice that ever disgraced a civilized 

 community. 



At the inquest held on the body, the jury were una- 

 nimous in wishing to return a verdict of wilful murder 

 against his antagonist and second, as well to punish the 

 offenders as to testify their horror of the event ; but as 

 the coroner told them such a verdict Avould only subvert 

 the means of punishment, manslaughter was substituted. 

 After a considerable time had elapsed, and the exasperated 

 feeling of the public had somewhat subsided, the culprits 



