This creates suspense because the man is described as a civilian and a planter. Also Bierce says he was a man with a kindly expression which one would hardly have expected in one whose neck was in the hemp. Also Bierce describes his features which were good; a straight nose, firm mouth, broad forehead, from which his long , dark hair was combed straight back, falling behind his ears to the collar of his well- fitting frock coat. He had a mustache and pointed beard, but no whiskers and his eyes were large and dark gray. How could a civilian farmer who had kindly expressions do such a crime that he is being hanged for? How could a man with such innocent physical features do such a crime? What was his crime? Why was he being hanged? These are the kind of questions a reader wonders about while he is reading the story. Not telling the reason the man was being hanged, gives the reader suspense.
