Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1893-10-06
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SHADOWS IN THE HOUSE.

On the day following the visit of the
Marshal, Ann Bigger and Ezra Easily ap-
preached each other when unobserved,
casting furive glances from side TO side
as they availed themselves of the first op~
portunity to speak.
Did l not tell you pride would have
fall?" said Ann.
And have l not said, time and again,
water will find its 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 is
sure to find it's level-what mystery is in
that?"
"Sipce you take me up so sharp why
do You speak 10 me?"
Bee .use 1 would make man of you
if YOU would let me- But was saying,
see how our Janet goes about now. No
longer high headed is she. But, truth
to tell l 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. AMI can
be sworn our COW did so this morn"
did she so?" Ezra's eyes were opened
wide.
But nothing is so bad as to meet
black dog on the road. A wise man or
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 fell from masters plane
to-day"
Ann held hand up, warningly.
Il thought some one was near. ]
found straw lying across the door when
| ope led it this morning. That is sign
of evil. Worse still, Ann moved nearer
the apprentice, Il found the broom lying
fair across a crack in the floor. It's all
come of Martin Lees wickedness, I'll
be bound He is q wicked man, else
master would not quarrel with mistress
about him."
But master is not to blame I beard
him say-and so did yoa-that his brother
deserved no better than others from the
law-meaning the worst the law could do
for him."
"Look! Lookl" Ann exclaimed; where
upon Ezra glanced around and beheld a
lnrge spider swinging in the air.
Kill i'll" Ann Kissed, as she seized
poker and struck t the spider. Instead,
she hit Ezra upon the knuckles, who
whipped his haut 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 famil-
lars. You saw it as plain as I did.
Hush!" Ezra said, here comes the
master.
But John Lee passed on, paying no at
tention TO them. When he was out of
earshot Ezra said:
Wonders will never cease. Tis the
first time he found ma 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 know. I know milk and cake are
stolen. See!" pointing to the dresser. u
put more cakes there an hour ago than
would serve the family"
who h Is taken them?"
That is the question would like to
answer. Who?"
Who but the mistress or Janet.
why should they take the cake?"
MY mind misgives me; tbs mistress OF
Janst."
AS if to illustrate the saying, listensrs
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 witch, that you should
stare at me SOP"
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 wsrningly.
"Are YOU not afr>id to come near me?'
what is this hear?" the young man
said, with concern.