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

The same evening that Arthur Proctor
made his hurried visit to the house OF
John Lee, and little while after hel
father concluded family worship, Janet
Lee emerged stealthily from her fathers
house and walked away swiftly in the
darkness. She walked directly to Wills
Hill. At times she paused and listened
iptently to assure herself that she was
not followed. At last she reached the
old hut; but, spite of her precautions,
one followed her whose keen vision and
cunning excelled his courage SO far that
when he realized that he stood on the
summit Of Wills Hill, cold sweat broke
out on his face and hands.
IF it were not for Ann Bigger, said
Ezra Easty to himself
A cricket chirping caused him to bound.
He trembled and shook and peered about
him.
- might have known better than tc
have followed Janet to this witches
revel. None but those who deal with
witches come here, and if I return safe
never will invite the anger of the
witches again"
His teeth were chattering as be peered
about him.
.She came this way, but where has she
gomez"
The cricket chirped again and the Spy
trembled in mortal fear.
IF 20 back to Ann Bigger as came
I'll never hear the end of it. She will
never have done laughing at me fol
g.
Abat, whirling, struck his cheek, and
Ezra Easily fell prone on the earth, where
he Law with his face on the ground. AS
he lay thus figure stole cautiously from
one end of the hut. As Janet Lee stood
motionless, listening to the beating Of
her heart, she heard sound like foot
fall.
She disappeared in the hut again as
another figure approached the other end
of the hut. Janet stood irresolutely al
the entrance, pressing hand over hel
heart to still its throbbing. Gathering
courage, she moved slowly along the out.
side of the hut, until her hand came in
contact with another hand. Recoiling
she darted into the hut again. At the
same time the newcomer retreated to the
other end of the hut. Then Ezra Easty
found his voice as he grasped the new
conner, exclaiming:
Il have you now, Miss Janet! What
brings you to Willis Hill at this hour with
cake and milk, when you should be al
home? Come with me.
The figure resisted, there was q b.sA1
struggle, and Ezra Easty gasped the -rt
with enc hand, and rubbed an ear with
the other. The blow he received on the
side of the head stunned him. Then be
felt something on hia arm; he felt it with
his fingers carefully, held it up, and il
futtered in the air.
This will tell who brings cake ant
milk to Willis HILL ne said, as ne cast
terrified look about him. Then he shiv-
cred; an agony of terror overpowered
him; he felt as though he were sinking
to the earth. But he rallied. and with
ahoa.se CRY for "Help!" sped homeward
es fast as his legs could carry him.
He was running for his life when he
stumbled against man who was walking
quietly along the road.
What! Thief! Robber! Stand back! y
Il am no robber, sir. I am but poor
apprentice, sir. would not HARM
.'Tis the voice of Ezra Easty."
And this is Master Ellis"
where are your feet carrying you SO
fast?"
-'Tis a long story. I must not stop.
I must go home at once.
AT least you can tell me where you
have been?"
Il come from the devils own field
from Willis Hill-but nothing! not all
the money in Salem could tempt me to
60 there again"
-Aye-and pray what were you doing
on Willis Hlll?"
well, if you must know, twas Ann
Bigger made me 90 to watch our Janet.
DO not tritie with me. If you lie to
me, Ezra Easily, you know it will not
mend matters"
4 am not lying. Icame straight from
Wills Hill"
And what saw you there?"
Il saw nothing only ! know l followed
our Janet there. Yes. I'll swear.it