While most of the onlookers jeered, it was evident that some of his friends were present, and at one time it looked as if a rescue was about to be attempted; but the soldiers kept back the press, and in spite of his violent struggles the prisoner was brought underneath the gallows, where a rope was deftly passed round his neck.  Still cursing and struggling, the wretch was hoisted, and five minutes elapsed ere his last convulsive motions ceased.