The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-29
CHAPTER x.

was tremulous. Had he looked closely
at his daughter he could not haye failed
\ to observe evidences of extraordinary ex.
citement. That he did not remark this
was evidence to her of the load of care
which oppressed him, as he retired with
heavier step than usual. Mistress Lee
followed him, first charging Janet to
obey her father promptly, as the night
was wearing on.
In little while, mother-I will moi
be long," answered Janet.
Ann Bigger looked askance at her, and
Janet looked squarely in the servants
face. Then Ann Bigger made pretense
of bustling about. Janet sat down and
folded her hands in her lap. At last Ann
Bigger, seeing Janet sitting motionless,
with great fourishing of her skirts left
the room.
Still Janet sat thinking. Five, ten
minutes elapsed. Then Janet rose, walked
softly past the window two or three times
then lifting the light placed it where !,
could be seen plainly from the outside.
Presently light tap came at the door
Janet opened it and her lover entared.
Il have been waiting this half hour o,
more"
Nay, you but think so.'
Are they all abed?"
Ezra is not in"
Il thought stumbled against him 8
while ago. I was not mistaken. Janet
! like him not"
Nor does any like him-unless it be
Ann Bigger, who makes him fetch ane
carry for her. What news, Arthur?
BEE it in your face, It is bad news"
Her lover smiled family.
Il hear 30 much that is like the ravine
of madmen that I will not burden yor
with it, even if I had taxed my memory
with it, which did not. 'Tis even sale
some one Of this family has been seer
near wilkins Pond, and some one going
near Wills Hill, where strange sigh:s ane
sounds have terrified many"
AYE, such as lowing Of cows, barking
Of dogs and bleating Of sheep" saie
Janet, scornfully. is it Abigail Will.
Jams and Ann Putnam who tell these sto
ries? It is as likely as anything suck
children can say Or invent"
Il would think less if the children saie
it."
We'll, we'll. Their talk is at least bet.
ter than the prattle of the poor babe, lit
tie Mary Lewis, who is but three years
old and held in Jail as witness sgains'
her own mother. Have our people los'
their senses, Arthur Proctor, that such
things can be?"
They have lost their hearts as we'll,
said her lover gloomily. They seem te
have turned to stone.
The lovers were 80 deeply absorbed
that they took no notice Of the face that
looked at them through the window.
who of US is accused, Arthur, or who
is at the bottom of these stories concern
IF my tongue is tied" Arthur Procto:
answered, 1T is because would MOI
knowingly do any man injustice.
That is enough. 1t is Giles Ellis you
suspect"
Arthur Proctor bowed.
Janet answered, If it is really Giles
he has great influence with the magls
trates."
And may do you mischief"
The door latch was lifted at that In
stanr, ana Ezra Easty entered, followes
by the Marshal of Salem.
did I not tell you We would find som'
one with herr"
The apprectice pointed to Arthur Proc
tor. Proctor advanced threateningly.
How dare you!" But Ezra, shielded
by the Marshal, saucily replied:
Il dare more than that, as I can prove
easily"
But Arthur pushed the Marshal aside,
and boxed the apprentices ears soundly.
The noise brought John Lee into the
room, followed by Dorothea and Ann
Bigger, who stood in the doorway.
What is the meaning Of this violence
at this hour, Samuel Hobbs?"
Ask Arthur Proctor. I but came be-
tween him and your apprentice"
I'll have him cited" Ezra wbined.
Janet" said her father, awhat does
Arthur Proctor want here at this hourf"
Janet faced her father courageously.
He came because I asked him to bring
such rumors as he can gather concerning
us"
What did I tell you?"
The apprentice turned to the Marsh al.
rs she not bold?"
Peace" said John Lee sternly.
I'll not be silent and let the mistress
say me and Ann Bigger steal yoar cake
and meat!"
Dorothea Lee, advancing from the door,
suddenly interposed now.
What trif1e to make talk about,
John, as if few cakes were worth all
this ado.
There is something in this I will
fathom ere 60 to bed" John Lee spoke
resolutely. Then fixing his eyes upon bis
apprentice he asked him: Who stole the
bread and milk, Ezra Easty? Answer
me-"
Twas your own daughter Janet there,
as Ann Bigger will prove. She saw her
take them, and followed her."
And where did you follow her, and
when?"
ITO Wills Hill, within this hour; since
We had service.
@What proof have you Of this?"
When told her to come home with
me, and caught hold of her, she ran away,
leaving this in my hand"
The apprentice held up q kerchief in
his hand. Dorothea Lee suppressed an
exclamation as she looked at her daughter.
Janet In her turn cast a terrlheu look upon
her mother, who was the first 10 break
the overpowering silence which followed
the apprentices bold speech.
Stay, john" she began, but suddenly
Janet darted between the Marshal and
Ezra, and snatching the kerchief from
him. exclaimed:
"Babbler! what if it is miner"
Dorothea Lee placed hand over her
heart as the voice Of the Marshal rang