The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-07-13
CHAPTER XVI.
JANET BEFORE THE JUDGES,


OF all the strange and striking scenes
witnessed in the Meeting House in Salem
in those perilous days, none excited more
interest than the examination of Janet
Lee. The crowd that gathered inside and
| amazement at the self-possession she
displayed. Deputy Governor Thomas
Danforth, with q magistrate on either
side of him. presided. His preliminary
remarks were brief. They were to the
effect that the prisoner, and her friends,
as we'll as all present. were fully advised
of the nature of the offense with which
she was charged. 1t was sufficient to say
she was charged with witchcraft.
When Governor Danforth concluded,
and the Sheriff told Janet Lee to stand
up, heads were twisted and elevated;
everybody stood ON tip-toe to look at her.
Janet returned their looks with COM
posure that excited nervous comments.I
There was, however, but one sentiment
when her father and mother entered. All
sympathized with them.
When Governor Danforth ordered the
witnesses to be called, perfect silence
ensued. Marshal Hobbs called upon Ezra
Easty to come forward. Before Ezra had
e~~~ -
loud, clear voice, asked:
who brings this charge against my
daughter?"
That will be made known in due sea-
son." one of the magistrates replied, let
the witness be sworn"
A murmur arose as Ezra Easily stepped
forward. Before the Sheriff could ad-
minister the oath, Arthur Proctor asked:
rs it customary to proceed without
bringing the accused and the accuser face
to face?"
Who is that young man?" Gov. Dan
forth looked from one to the other, but no
one answered, whereupon Arthur Proctor
replied:
"A freud of the accused and lover Of
justice. Asy name is Arthur Proctor.
Il. were we'll for the accused you held
your peace, said Danforth severely.
These proceedings must be guided by
the necessities Of the cases brought be-
fore Us. Let the witness be sworn"
Ezra, when duly sworn, trembled. His
face flushed. The flush deepened when
he spoke in answer to the first question.
TEzra Easty, what do you know con-
cerning this matter?" He looked at the
door as he replied:
know met janet Lee on Will 3 hill
last night. It was not so dark but
could hear her, and feel her whom she
struck me, and tore herself away from
my grasp.
Il called out and taxed her with coming
there. Then l'took hold Of her and all
1T once was tossed aside like feather,
and was alone"
why did you 60 to Wills Eull'
AS Ann Bigger can prove, followed
her to make sure whether she carried the
bread and milk she took from her fathers
house. Her mother said Ann and me
stole them. I followed her after prayers,
as Ann Bigger will bear me out, after We
saw her take the cakes.
Janet Lee, said Governor Danforth.
you have heard the witness. You have
admitted the neckerchief he took from
the person he found on Wills Hill 10
yours. John Lee, have you anything to
ask the witness?"
John Lee shook his head. Whatever
I may have to say is as we'll unsaid for
the present. What would it profit us?"
"Ithink it would be we'll to give him
time to make answer, said Giles Ellis.
That is impossible" answered one of
the magistrates. I'VE cannot delay these
proceeding. II nobody makes answer,
We will take the testimony and pass on
it after due consideration
lTo BE CONTINUED