The Fate of Eduard Delacroix

Eduard Delacroix, a Cajun murderer, finds brief happiness with his pet mouse before suffering a horrific execution at the hands of Percy Wetmore.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Delacroix Arrives Beaten

A Brutal Welcome Percy's Attack Eduard Delacroix is dragged onto E Block by Percy Wetmore, who beats him with a baton, claiming Delacroix tried to touch him. Paul intervenes, but Delacroix is terrified and bruised. A Timid Prisoner Delacroix is a small, balding man with a worried face. He is guilty of rape and murder, but on the block he is meek and frightened. He cries constantly. The Mouse Appears Soon after, Delacroix discovers the mouse that will become Mr. Jingles. The mouse becomes his only comfort.

Delacroix and Mr. Jingles

A Circus Mouse Training the Mouse Delacroix trains Mr. Jingles to fetch a colored spool and eat peppermint candies. The mouse becomes his pride and joy. The guards enjoy watching the tricks. A Brief Happiness Delacroix forgets his impending execution when playing with Mr. Jingles. He dreams of a future where the mouse makes him rich in a circus. This fantasy sustains him. Percy's Jealousy Percy resents Delacroix's happiness. He taunts him and eventually kills the mouse, shattering Delacroix's spirit.

The Botched Execution

A Horrible Death The Dry Sponge Percy deliberately leaves the sponge dry. When the current is applied, Delacroix's head catches fire. He screams and convulses for minutes before dying. The Witnesses' Horror The spectators are traumatized. Some faint. The room fills with smoke and the smell of burning flesh. Paul and Brutal are helpless. Aftermath Delacroix's body is removed. The guards cover up the sabotage. Delacroix's death is a brutal end to a life that had found a moment of grace.

Late July 1932

August-October 1932

Night of October 24-25, 1932