The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-08-03
JANET LEE
In the Shadow of the
GaUOWS.
BY DAVID LOWRY
CHAPTER XIX-Continued.

CHAPTER XIX-Continued.
The day. was not very old when he re.
ceived his instructions to arrest John Lee
and Arthur Proctor. The last met him
half way, laughingly.
Il hear you have an order to take me
in charge, Master Hobbs?"
1'Tis my duty to do so."
well, we'll, Master Hobbs, do not look
90 glum about it. I am prepared to ap.
pear before the justice.
Il wish could feel as you do, Arthur
Proctor"
And why should I show faint heartf
What cause have to lower nv headi
But mark my words, Marshal Hobbs,
there are some who will hold their heads
low enough before we are quit of this
business"
When Proctor was brought before the
justice-there was but one present at his
examination-he found John Lee there
before him. John Lee was bowed with
grief. He scarce looked at the young
man who was placed beside him.
How now, John Lee? What do you
say to the tales We hear concerning Mar.
tin Lees body?"
John Lee looked at the Justice fearless
ly. He was conscious Of his innocence,
and his innocence and simple, direct man
ner lent him dignity such as the man
who sat in Judgment on him did not
possess.
why, this Twill say. In the first place,
had you no other reason than the report
hear, there is no cause to trouble your.
self questioning me, since, had you in
structed the Marshal to make inquiry, it
could easily have been learned that was
not out Of my bed since eight o'clock
last night"
How? Can you bring witnesses to swear
to this2
Il can; five, if YOU wish to hear them.
All persons who lodged in your
house2"
None lodged in my house. Since my
wife and daughter are not in my house,
but in prison, my house is my home no
longer"
where do you Iodge?"
with Mathew Bales. I sent my ap-
prentice and Ann Bigger home; they have
borne false Witness against me and mine.
I slept in Mathew Bales last night.
have so little reliance in the Judgment Of
some Of my neighbors that, apprehend-
ing some such inquiry as this, desired
Mathew Bales to fasten the door of my
room, 80 that he and his family could tes-
tify they saw me closed in last night"
YES" interposed Master Bales, 'snd
I am here to 60 bail for John Lee, that
he will appear whenever you need him. I"
This positive statement, corroborating
John Lees, and the voluntary rendering
of his property as bond, produced the
natural effect. The Justice waved his
hand deprecatingly.
Il will not exact bond, friend Bales.
'Tis sufficient have your word"
Upon seeing how it wet with John Lee,
Arthur Proctor, who had viewed the pro-
ceedings with indifference, said:
Since you have been SO kind as to
listen to Master Lees statement, will you
permit me to say I, too, have witnesses
Who will tell you was in the house
from nine o'clock last night.
Are they here?"
They are"
The Justice looked at the witnesses,
and then at the handsome young man
standing up tearlessly before him.
Are you son to Ezekiel PROCTOR"
He was my uncle. Josiah was my
father"
so? And these be your witnesses?"
My landlady and her daughter will
Ixesr that went to bed at g."
We'll, we'll. It is not necessaryto move
farther in this matter now. The rumors
took such shape it was thought best to
interrogate you both. 1t was not our
purpose to confne you now, unless the
tacts warrant it, which, in our opinion,
hey do not. warn you both, however,
20 be within call, should you be required.
This is q strange matter, and one that
npuof he aifted thorouph1vn
When the prisoners were permitted to
depart, the Justice took occasion to speak
to Proctor In private.
How comes it, Master Proctor, the
son of my dearest friend is in league
with woman charged with witchcrsft
and murder2"
With all Difference to you, SIR" an
swered Arthur Proctor, with rising COL
Or that became him grestly-the justice
thought he never looked on young man
30 comely as tbis-"she is no more witch
than the sweetest woman you evor knew.
L would as soon say the mother who bore
me was a murderess and witch, as let any
other than yourself charge her with il.
'Tis all foul scheme, as will be shown
presently"
AYE, aye" said the Justice, softly.
Pray heaven it may be. There is much
that is past belief now; 'twould be well
some courageous hearts broke the spell
that is cast over the land. I am fast los
ing my faith, not in the principles oi
law, but in practice OF religion. Bigotry
and piety are travelling so closely hand in
hand that am afraid when think of tie
future"
Il thank you for the confidence you re.
DOS. in me. But shall not stop in this
matter until l have the ear OF Thomas
Eanforth, said Proctor, with heightened
cclor. I believe Governor Danforth is q
kind as we'll as just man."
DO as your heart prompts. You will
not find Thomas Danforth arrogant. And
If you desire, I will prepare him for your
coming"
Il will never forget it if you will do
so," said Proctor, eagerly. But 1 will
find him. will not stop until l speak
With him."
wish you God-speed, young man,
with all my heart, answered the Justice
rs he turned away, leaving Arthur Proc
Tor doubling whether he heard Alright or
not.
And a. - o. fhot ono