A wealthy gentleman, notorious for his penchant for murder, roams the streets at night, killing unsuspecting victims after asking them the time. His life takes a tragic turn when he accidentally kills his beloved nephew, leading him to seek redemption through confession. The priest imposes a penance: to walk to a chapel at midnight and pray. However, haunted by the voices of his victims and the sound of a bell, he struggles to complete the penance. Each attempt ends in failure as fear overwhelms him. Ultimately, he perseveres and reaches the chapel, kneeling beneath the gallows. The next morning, the city is shocked to find him dead, hanged by angels as punishment for his sins.
By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1902 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Tragedy, Moral Tale