Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1893-11-03


tongue was not tied ike that OF her mis-
tress.
"Ann, we're you present when Martir
Lee parted from his broth+r2'
II was, and heard all that passed
every word,
II never knew Ann to miss anything
that was going on" said Janet, quietly
at which there was laugh
State what you heard, Ann.
AIMS manner was free and unconcern
ed as she G IDLY told her story. My mas
ter wondered what b. fought his brother
there after disgrscng the name of Lee.
Much was sud about the pride Of the
Lees; as if there was none like the Lees
John Lee wished Martin had never been
born. Martin said he had done no wrong
and it would be more like the pride of the
Lees if h brother John would take hi
part, and not join with others aga nst
him Then John few into towering
passion an bade Martin begoce, lest he
should surrender him TO the sheriff. Then
Mistress Leo and Janet interf,red, aud
that made master worse. He said be
wished Martin Lee we're dead, AMI for his
palt the sooner he was out of the way the
better. Then Janet Lee, who is rroudel
than her father, as all know, said if twere
true that Martin killed the Marshall
horse and sheep by cutting their hroats
in that cruel manner, she could see him
we'll ont of the way; that it would be b
blsteri & di 'grace-hiS presence in Sa-
lem But il would never do to let h N
hang"
When Ann ended, Janet said, in an
audible voice: Heavens will be done!
We ae greatly wronged by this malicious
creature.
AS for John and Dorothea, they stared
at Ann in ama2ement. They were so
dumfo 1nled that neither could spe k.
The magistrates consulted again, and
Deputy Danforth spoke in solemn tones:
Janet Lee, the evidence is deemed
sufficient to justify tho charge of witch
craft" Then he paused, as a murmur
rose, for mauy there we're surprised at
the decision of the magistrates, and did
not hesitate TO express their wonder.
But" he continued, there is another
and more serious charge prepared
against you"
He spoke 10 the magistrate on his left,
and the magistrate, looking at paper he
held in his hand, addressed Janet Lee:
Janet Lee, although dli-ent search
has been mado, Marlin Lee is nowhere
TO be found. Ann Bigger swears John
Lee wished him dead, and you agreed,
but said it would never do 10 let him
hangl Dorotbe Lee admits the brothers
uuarreed; that they pa'ted in anger.
Janet Lee has been found on Wills Hill
ut night, when all others avoid it. All
these things warrant the belief that Mar
tin Lee has been put ont of the wey by
his own people, 10 prevent him from suf-
fering the consequences of his crimes,
and the evidence warrants us in holding
Janet Lee on the charge of witchcraft and
murder"
During the delivery of this speech,
Janet, Doroihea, and John Lee looked at
the magistrates with paling faces. When
the last word was uttered, Dorothea Lee
amazed all present by throwing all near
her aside, and confronting tho magis
trates, as she cried, in a voice that was
heard by those outside:
DO not hold Janetl 'Tis l who am
the guilty one! 'Tis who was on Wills
Hill? Janet is as innocent rs any OF you
who sit in Judgment on her! | viii pro-
claim it with my dying BREATH 1t was
who went to Wills Hill, and it was from
my neck, not Jsnet's, that Ezra Easily
plucked the handkerchief"
Dorothea's avowal amazed al who
heard her, but it fell with crushing effect
on her husband, who rose. staggered like
one drunk, then putting forth hand, as
if reaching for something to steady him
self, sank ok upon his seat, and bowed
his he d upon his hands.
Again the magistrates consulted, amid
the confusion and murmers that ensued,
and once more the voice of the magistrate
commanded silence.
1T is the opinion of my associates that
the extraordinary circumstances you have
witnessed Justify us in ordering Janet
and Dorothea Lee to be confined in Ips-
wich Jail until such time as they ehall
make final answer to the charge of witch
craft and murder.
Long before he concluded, Dorothea
Ice tainted dead away. Then confusion
reigued in the old Meeting House