The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-08-17
What Think the spiteful tale Of that

need have no fear for you, at least. It is
| we'll. Now / will return to our friends,
who, be sure, are not idle. 'Tis our pur-
pose to bring the magistrates here-oe
prepared for them at any time. lest may
lot lind my proof on the instant ana os
detained. Keep up heart.
He embraced them again as he spoke.
and fastened away.
Did l not say we would hear good
news soon?" said Janet, when they we're
alone; but Dorothea Lee sat with bowed
head, and made no answer.
Another footstep approached, and Ar
[ thur Proctor entered. He gazed upon
Janet with undisguised admiration.
Were it not for the terrible danger,
! could welcome the experience that proves
| to all the world your courage and self
possession. come once more to cheer
you.
What say they in Salem, now? Do
they believe Ann Biggers tales, and
Ezra's?" Janet asked. DO they think
that we murdered Martin Lee now?"
There are some who believe it; but,
since you speak of that poor wretch,
Ezra I am unable to unravel the mys-
terry. I am perplexed. 1t lies between
you and Ezra. He could not have met
both Of you on Wills Hill?"
WAS ever mortals as sorely pressed?"
said Dorothea, suddenly.
Did not my father say relief would
come to US speedily, mother-bear up"
Il am not sure. Time passes swiftly,
child"
.Aye-'tis time that makes me fearful"
said Proctor. If could be sure which
Of you was at Wills Hill, it would help
Ds tn clear much away."
1T is best We tell the truth, said Doro-
thea Proctor must be told the truth
about Martin Lee at once"
And bring him in peril, mother" Janet
exclaimed. IF We had time" then she
paused suddenly.
Then of truth Martin is not dead.
What is this mystery? Though have
conversed with John Lee every day save
yesterday, never have I heard him say
ausht of his brother. True, he hos been
bent on many things. While he was here,
I was there. We've had barely time to
cheer each other, and counsel, and plan.
We know very WE'LL
-'Tis best to tell him the truth, Janet"
again said Dorothea.
mo, no." I will not tell even roctor,"
Janet answered. Then, in changed
tone she said: I'VE are cruelty beset. We
dare lot tell the truth.
Dare not?" Proctor echoed. Now,
then, know tits not on your own account.
All Salem knows you two have tried to
save each other. Now, you are concerned
for your uncle. Trust me; will not be-
tray you. Or, at least, confde in your
father, or it may be too late. What is
this mystery that has given the appren-
tice warrant to wag his tongue?"
a1onof
and me carried food and drink to Martin
to keep him from starving, but neither Of
US took counsel of the other, or knew the
other was serving him. We feared lest
the other would incur suspicion"
And tbs for this-this sublime deVo-
ton to each other. and Martin Lee, thou
art here!" said Proctor, reverently. i
see the way clearer in the last minute. I
will return to Governor Danforth at once"
And bring Martin Lee to the gallows."
Jnnet's tone conveyed rebuke and re-
proach.
No, no. l said I would not betray
your confidence. I will Say nothing OF
this to Justice Danforth until take coun-
sci with John Lee. But" Proctor added
in sheer desperation, i have not had op-
portunity 10 see John Lee since the day
he went to his sisters, and fully expect
ed to meet him ere this in Salem"
Then you are sure soon to meet him,
for he was here within this hour, said
Janet, calmly, "and brought good news.
He bade US keep up heart, and said ne
woald find q way to make an end of It
this very day"
And thai be the case"-Proctor looked
at them, refecting-"why, I. too, believe
matters must come to head sooner than
had thought. Said he aught of Martin
Lee? You surely"
My father knows even less Of our
errand to Wills Hill than you have
learned" Janet interrupted. -'Tis in
thy keeping wholly"
Whereupon Proctor's face clouded, but
it cleared up oa the instant as he replied:
Il am losing time. must find John
Lee; at least must be doing, since the
judges. I know, are here in Ipswich"
So saying, he passed out. and once
more mother and daughter were left
alone. They were to be subjected to
trial, for soon another visitor appeared in
the person Of Giles Ellis. When he stood
before them neither spoke.
I did not expect warm welcome.
Bearers of evil tidings are never vel
come"
What greater evil can befall US than to
endure your presence in Ipwich jail?" said
Janet Lee.
AYE, there be worse. The gsllows is
worse"
Surely thev have not rendered iude-
ment?" Dorothea stood before him with
questioning eyes.
Judgment cannot be long deferred,
they have found Martin Lee"
May heaven preserve him!" said Janet,
quickly.
4If they have found Martin then they
cannot say We murdered him..
so, then. you do not know Martin is
de I'd and buried1"
Dead"
Dorothea Lee sat down with a hand
over her heart: Janet caught Giles arm.
Its false! I'll not believe it..
1T matters not, SO long as he is really
dead ald buried"
Dorothea rose with an effort and ap-
preached Giles. He continued calmly:
Martin Lees body was found in the
sea, where 'tis said you and your famil-
| lars bore him. His name was found on
| knife in his pocket, and on his arm
This is past belief" Janet said, look
ing at her mother. IF it we're true, sure
ly there are those who would, have told
us.
But her meaning look was lost upon
her mother, and Giles Ellis misinter-
preted it. He thought Janet was trying
to deceive him.
IF you wish the proof ask the jailer.'
Whereupon Janet Immediately went to