My eyes have suddenly been opened. For the first time in
my life I feel like a man.'
"At this unexpected turn of affairs, the countenance of John Convert
lighted up with a look of divine happiness that was truly glorious to
behold, and, addressing the guard, he said: 'Well spoken, my noble man.
May you accumulate sufficient strength to enable you to faithfully
follow out your splendid resolution; may your future deeds be so
unselfish, heroic, and fruitful, towards uplifting mankind, that the
grandchildren of your enemies may live to praise your name.'
"These words seemed to have a cheering effect upon the guard, who
affectionately shook the hand of Convert, and then left the room.
"During this time, however, the other guard had continued the work of
adjusting the straps, and finally having them properly arranged, stepped
backward a few feet and raised his left arm as a sign to the
Electrocutioner in the closet that everything was in readiness. And
then, just as John Convert uttered the words, 'Always Consult Your Soul
for Advice,' a terrible, dull, buzzing sound took the place of his
voice, his body suddenly expanded, as if about to burst, his limbs were
drawn up and distorted, blue flames shot forth with a weird glow, a
sickening odor of burning flesh saturated the air, and quicker than it
takes to tell, the deadly current had penetrated through every fiber of
his body.
"And then, as all turned away their heads from the awful sight, a loud
crash was heard, and the door leading from the court-yard into the other
room burst open, and in rushed the Warden, yelling like a madman: 'Stop
it! For God's sake, stop it! You are killing the wrong man!' And pulling
open the door of the closet which concealed the Electrician, he threw
off the current with his own hands.
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