It was on Sept. 11, 1840 that permission came from the emperor to carry out the death sentence. According to custom, this was done immediately. He was taken out barefooted on the same day at a running pace, with gongs and cymbals, to the place of execution. Several robbers were to be executed with him. He had recovered from his wounds in the last 5 months and his face was as fresh, clear and beautiful as a child's. Everyone was amazed at this miracle and many people joined the parade to outside the city walls. Four robbers and three other criminals were first beheaded before his eyes. A slower death was reserved for foreigners. Fr. Perboyr's knelt down in prayer before his cross, then rose and was tied to the cross in a semi-kneeling position. The rope was tightened around his throat twice and then loosened twice On the third tightening, it was not loosened. Death came immediately but there were no convulsions, no blood from nos or mouth, no contortion of the face - but rather, a calm beautiful appearance. This astonished everyone so much thathe was thought to be alive yet and one of the soldiers gave him a severe kick in the abdomen to assure his death. Even at this, his body was left for a day and night on the cross. It was noon on Friday that Fr. Perboyre died. He was 38 years old and he had spent 38 months in China - a little over 3 years - including 12 months in various prisons.
