The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-22
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SHADOWS IN THE HOUSE.

THE SHADOWS IN THE HOUSE.
On the day following the visit Of the
Marshal, Ann Bigger and Ezra Easty ap-
preached each other when unobserved,
casting furtive glsnces from side to side
as they avsiled themselves Of the first op-
portunity to speak.
Did not tell you pride would have a
fall?" said Ann.
And have not said, time and again,
water will find it's level?"
Yes; more times than you need. 'Tis
the one thing comes out Of your head.
And if you say no wiser thing folks will
think you are empty headed. Water ls
sure to find its level-what mystery is In
that?"
Since you take me up 30 sharp, why
do you speak to me?'
Because I would make man OF you
if you would let me. But was saying,
see how our Janet goes about now. No
longer bigh-headed is she. Bat, truth
to tell, I never would have looked for
witches here"
Nor l.
My sister says it's sure sign witches
are near when COW turns three times
and holds her nose out. And I can
be sworn our COW did so this morn"
Did she so2" Ezra's eyes were opened
wide.
But nothing is so bad as to meet a
black dog on the road. A wise man OF
woman turns back, and is sure to eat,
if it's only bite-a crust"
MY tongs fell out OF my hand yester-
day, and the bit tell from masters plane
to-day"
-
I thought some one was near. !
found a straw lying across the door wheE
I opened it this morning. That is sign
of evil. Worse still" Ann moved nearer
the apprentice, Il found the broom lying
fair across q crack in the floor. It's all
come of Martin Lees wickedness, III
be bound. he is a wicked man, else
master would not quarrel with mistress
about him."
But master is not to blame. I heard
him ssy-and SO did you-that his brother
deserved no better than others from the
law-meaning the worst the law could dc
for him.
aLook! Lookl" Ann exclaimed; where
upon Ezra glanced around and beheld a
large spider swinging in the air.
Kill it," Ann Kissed, as she seized a
poker and struck at the spider. Instead,
she hit Ezra upon the knuckles, who
whipped his hand to his mouth and blew
on it Justify. The spider fell and disap-
peared in cack.
Now, I'll swear there are witches in
the house. That is one of their famii.
lars. You saw it as plain as I did.
Hush" Ezra said, here comes the
master"
But John Lee passed on, paying no a.
tention to them. When he was on: OF
earshot Ezra said:
Wonders will never cease. 'Tis the
first time he found me out of the shop
and did not ask why was idling. There
is more in this than the Marshal sus-
poets"
There is much more than any one
knows" said Ann Bigger; but some
things I know. know milk and cake are
stolen. See!" pointing to the dresser. i
put more cakes there an hour ago than
would serve the family"
who has taken them?"
That is the question I would like to
answer. Who?"
who but the mistress or Janet.
why should they take the cake?"
My mind misgives me; tbs mistress OF
Janet"
As if to illustrate the saying, listeners
hear no good of themselves, Janet en-
tered. 1t was one of Janet Lees marked
traits that she never beat about the bush,
but went to the point at once.
What were you saying Of me, ANN"
As the apprentice and Ann looked at
each other, Janet added. quickly:
DO look like a witch, that you should
stare at me sof"
The apprentice and Ann, marveling at
the suddenness with which she came on
them, and remembering the spider, were
frightened, and betrayed it in their looks.
Ann edged 10 the door and disappeared
without answering. Ezra, trembling,
followed her quickly, and Janet was left
alone.
As the servants withdrew, handsome
young man, with an expression of can.
dor and . bearing indicating high breed
ing, entered. AS he approached, Janet
held up finger warningly.
Are, you not afraid 10 come near me?"
What ia this hearl" the young man
said, with concern.
DO you not see2 I am 9 witch, Ar
thur"
L have said SO many times"
He would have said more, but she Gov
cred his lips with her hands.
Hush! if the Paris children said the
half you have said, it would hang them.
Call me anything but witch. 'Tis no
true-love term to me in these times"
Arthur Proctor replied lightly, What
is this story Ann Bigger's sister tells? Is
it true your father is charged with har-
boring witches:"
-Oh, Arthur" Janet exclaimed, in a
burst of passion which surprised her
lover, Il do not care for myself! but my
father and my poor mother! Do you
think there is dsnger?"
To which Arthur Proctor soberly re-
piled. considering we'll each word:
We carnot tell what is or what is not a
serious mstter. The slightest jests may
prove terril le earnest. There are those
VINO make mountains out OF mole-hIIls.
The father of lies is loose"
Shame on the people of Salem, then,
exclaimed Janet Lee. Who has done
more for Salem than my father? Was he
not foremost in the fight with the Indians?
Did he not stand guard that Salem might
sleep safely? Who WAS it ran into Polly
Turner's house when it was burning, and
carried her out in his arms? There is no
truer man in Salem than John Lee. No
more God-fearing man or kinder. And
all know there is no gentler womsn-none
more generous to the Door. or more con-