nine o'clock
By and by the tramp of horses ' feet was heard slowly ascending Snow Hill , and presently a troop of grenadier guards rode into the area facing Newgate . These were presently joined by a regiment of foot . A large body of the constables of Westminster next made their appearance , the chief of whom entered the Lodge , where they were speedily joined by the civic authorities . At nine o'clock , the sheriffs arrived , followed by their officers and javelin-men . Meantime , the Stone Hall was crowded by all the inmates of the jail , debtors , felons , turnkeys , and officers who could obtain permission to witness the ceremony of the prisoner 's irons being struck off . Caliban , who , through the interest of Mr. Ireton , was appointed to the office , stood with a hammer in one hand , and a punch in the other , near the great stone block , ready to fulfil his duty . Close behind him stood the tall gaunt figure of Marvel , with his large bony hands , his scraggy neck , and ill-favoured countenance .