Once--at Newcastle--he arrayed himself in a smart white coat
and tops, but the splendour ill became his red-headed awkwardness, and
he would have stood aghast at the satin frocks and velvet waistcoats of
him who broke the hearts of Drury Lane. But if he were gentler in his
life, Haggart was prepared to fight with a more reckless courage when
his trade demanded it. It was the Gentleman's boast that he never
shed the blood of man. When David found a turnkey between himself and
freedom, he did not hesitate to kill, though his remorse was bitter
enough when he neared the gallows. In brief, Haggart was not only the
better craftsman, but the honester fellow, and though his hands were red
with blood, he deserved his death far less than did the more truculent,
less valiant Simms. Each had in his brain the stuff whereof men of
letters are made: this is their parallel. And, by way of contrast,
while the Switcher was an accomplished artist, Gentleman Harry was a
roystering braggart.
DEACON BRODIE AND CHARLES PEACE
I--DEACON BRODIE
AS William Brodie stood at the bar, on trial for a his life, he seemed
the gallantest gentleman in court. Thither he had been carried in
a chair, and, still conscious of the honour paid him, he flashed a
condescending smile upon his judges. His step was jaunty as ever; his
superb attire well became the Deacon of a Guild. His coat was blue,
his vest a very garden of flowers; while his satin breeches and his
stockings of white silk were splendid in their simplicity.
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