'Act of providence' is a phrase so carelessly used today as to have almost lost the very significance of its meaning. But at no time has it held so much meaning as in the true, historical case of the Crown vs John Applegate, as reported in the Newgate calendar. John Applegate is to be hanged for murder, but he swears his innocence. His only witness is a 'gentleman of quality', but so far nobody has come forward to confirm his alibi...