Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1871-02-10
Witchcraft.
A TALE OF NEW ENGLAND.

Many years ago, when almost every
person in New England was believer in
that nonsensical bubble, witchcraft--
when old women if they chance to be i'll
favored, were sure of Gucking in some
convenient horse-pond, some serious
scenes We're enacted, and some that very
much favored the ludicrous.
In the old town of Woodstock, town
at the time famous for witches, there liy-
ed a sturdy old farmer by the name OF
Abijah Lyon. He was called Deacon
Lyon for be was deacon of the Presby-
terian Church. The minister was Rev
Mr.. Stiles. and, as Mr.. Stiles is destined
to take prominent part in my story, /
might as we'll describe him before | pro-
ceed any further. He was a little dried
up, weazen-faced old gentleman of seven
ty who carried about the enormous weight
of 20 pounds. 1t was said that in his
younger days he had weighed 120 pounds.
Mr. Stiles was great witch-hunter and
terror to all the fraternity who dealt in
that business. He had often been called
out of his bed, after the dead hour of mid
night, to lay the devil, and up to the time
of my story had always been successful.
lie wore great gown or cloak on his
nightly excursions, and when thus clad
he looked formidable.
We are now to go back to Deacon Lyon.
He was sturdy old farmer who stood 81
feet in his boots and owned the best farm
in the town. The Deacon had a family
Of six stalwart boys and several bloom
ing daughters. The day before Thanks
giving came round Chat time honored
festival of New England, and the great
est holiday in that region, when every
farmer expected all his relations to dine
with him down to the foretith cousin).
Deacon Lyon said to his boys, Work
with will, get all the garden stuff into
the cellar, and We will go as soon as it
is done to your grandfather's aud tomor-
row, after dinner, we will come home. and
you may have party in the parlor, and
invite all the young folks in the place.
| The boys worked right smart, and long
before night the cellar was well filled
with garden vegetables, and the family
on their way to see the Deacon's father
who lived about four miles off. But in
their hurry they forgot to shut the out
side cellar door, called the hatchway.
Nowthe Deacon had a big old black sheep
that had nearly bushel of horns on his
head, and he went around the premises
where he had mind to 60. He was cross
and if any one made motion, like
challenge, be would butt them over. He
found the door open and walked inwilh-
out knocking, and RECALLED himself on the
good things stored there. A neighbor
passing by shut the door, and shut in the
old sheep. | suppose that all know that
black sleeps eyes in the dark look like
ball Of fire, and magnify to twice their
ordinary size. The Deacon and his fam
| ily arrived safe home before night, and
the old parlor long before dark was all
fitted for the coming party.
At an early hour the young folks as
sembied. The kitchen door was left par
TALLY open, in order that the Deaeon's s
wife could peep in now and then, and
see that the plays wers conducted with
propriety. The fun grew fast and furi-
Gus till about eight o'clock, when the
Deacon told his son Abijah, his oldest
and namesake, to 60 down cellarand get
some cider and apples. The young lad
started on his mission, but came back in
great haste, every bair on his head stand
ing erect.
"What is the matter p asked the Dea-
con.
"Oh, father, the devil is in the cellar.
Oh, such eyes and such horns.
''ulve me the pitcher" said the Dea-
con; "you always were coward
The old Deacon was brave. He start
ed down the stairs, but not to the bottom
did he get before he was on the road
back, making hasty strides for the old
kitchen.
at is true, my young friends, the dew
il has at last come to make Deacon Lyon
a visit. Abijah, go after Mr.. Styles as
fast as you can run"
The young man obeyed. Mr.. Styles
was up, and soon ready to goyto the Dea-
cons and that he might appear formid-
able, he put on the great cloak that the
ladies had given their beloved minister.
When Mr.. Styles arrived at the house
of the Deacon, the first thing proposed
was season of prayer. Very proper
was that, for the devil is afraid of
praying man, so | have always been
taught. Wher the time of devotion was
sh~o,,xL AZ Sst.la r~,a-& xrs*t, he ,,~o.-o.