Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-11-08
NO. 265
Gales and Sketehss.
OUR WITCH.
A LEGEND OF THE DELAWARE.

oeinS d Guy, anu Wntn there was no town
plot, with imaginary streets, to be built
on. our village naturally followed the
bank. The taverns seemed anxious to be
conveniently near the wharves for the
sailors; and the shops where ship-stores
were specially, hung out their huge signs
where they could be read by hungry mar
lners, who. weary of hard-tack, would
spend the enforced savings of months for
fresh provisions, provided there was
enough left for grog and tobacco.
The largest ship-store then was Major
Jacquette's. 1t was down the shore, full
a quarter of mile from the village, while
our growth had tendency up the river
then. How the Major gained his militia
ry rank, | don't know. Whether the title
was one OF mere courtesy, or hardly won
by honorable or dshonerable service
against the Indians, tradition does not
say.
The house was of one story, with at
tics; OF considerable width, and still more
depth; long piazza in front, with rough
boards for benches, on which customers
and gossips sat and smoked peaceful
pipes while they discussed the crops or
told long yarns of foreign lands, as their
occupation suggested.
dormer windows, was the huge white sign
which told that fresh provisions. grog, and
groceries were sold therefor the Major
did fiourishing business, and made his
money rapidly: not only his dollars, but
also his pennies for Scotch snuff and to-
bacco. Besides, he was very liberal
man in his business transactions, and
would take an honest man s word for Sc
curity without bothering himself with
mortgages or judgments so of course
he was popular.
The back OF the house was an irregular
collection of rooms, evidently added As
they were needed, and when there were
more in the family than the Major, his
pretty daughter. and old Dinah. a
Behind was the yard, with few out
houses in it, and huge water-willow
spread its branches over the well. On
one side was the orchard, and beyond
stretched the marshland, which no one
knew how to reclaim, and where all the
cows in the vicinity could browse unmo-
Tested, and the yellow splatter dock and
sweet calamus showed their flowers in
their season,
When the wind stirred the muslin cur
tains OF the parlor, the passer-by could
get glimpse of gorgeous stuffed birds
on perches. foreign shells, and vases of
brilliant feather fiowers-decoralion
which were either gifts or love offerings
from susceptible sailors, or had been
bought by the indulgent Major for his
pretty daughter.
The Majors next neighbor was old Dill
sey Dinsmore, who was half suspected of
being witch, and greatly feared for her
violent temper. Her house was mere
hut OF logs. chinked with mud, with an
outside chimney, also made of mud and
sticks.
The house stood on low piles. so low that
chicken or young pig taking refuge there
was sale from capture. The half OF an
old milestone served for a doorstep, and
there was nothing in front of it but the
sandy beach. nor behind but the unre-
claimed marsh.
In spite OF the poverty of her home.
old Dilsey was reported rich; and Major
Jacquette was said to have her monev in
charge. 1t was also said that she would
never take from him but q shilling at a
tlme-it was English currency then-and
that she never kept penny in the house.
Some said it was because she was miser-
ly, Others that she was afraid OF dare
devil nephew of hers, Dick Dinsmore, who
might be troublesome if he suspected his
aunt OF having money in the house.
Dick was Il lover of Therese Jacquette,
and though she gave him no encourage
ment-indeed, was sharp and scornful to
him-he conrived to keep away from
her all other lovers. The truth
was, the village beaux We're afraid
Of Black Dick, partly on his aunt's ac-
count, who, they We're sure had dealings
gith the devil. and partly because Dick
boasted of extraordinary strength, that
was appalling to men of ordinary mus
Gle. Therese herself had no fear OF Dick,
and very plainly said he was a coward,
aud those who were afraid of him need
not come near her.
There was young sailor. mate on an
East lndiaman, who was lettering in the
village, some said, for love of pretty
Therese. He was broad shouldered
fellow. with frank, merry blue eyes and
curly brown hair-a thorough sailor; and
when dressed in his blue sirt and broad
brimmed straw hat, which just then sport
ed blue ribbOn-Therese Jacquette's
colors-he was II handsome one.
He had risen to the rank of first mate
for some act of daring during mutiny
in the Indian Ocean, and the sailors told
long yarns over their cups of Murdocbs
fierce grip, and of a certain clip OF his
that was sure to fell an insubordinate
sailor. Yet they all agreed that he was
good tempered, and not at all eager TO
pick a quarrel.
And So my story begins, on bright
day in June. The river was as smooth
as glass, and a sloop. which had raised
every sail in hopes of puff OF wind.
stood motionless as if anchored. The
water showed a sky OF its own, only in
verted. and the Jersey shore was doubled,
rs seen actually unrehected, sure sign
of rain every one knows.
Behind the house the cows had gathered
under the trees--a blotch of color on the
green marsh, and pretty picture of
still life as they stood there huddled To-
gether.
Therese Jacquette was under the big will
low by the well churning. The sleeves Of
her white short gown we're drawn up and
pinned back so as to be out of her way,