Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1893-10-13
CHAPTER Y.
THE THUNDERBoLT.

CHAPTER Y.
THE THUNDERBoLT.
John Lee laid fside his book and
looked at his wife, who was knit ng be-
side the fire. Ann Bigger was folding
large patch for quilt, apparently OBJ
livious to all the world but the piece OF
cloth she held in her hands.
The family were up Later than usual.
1t seemel as if the members of this fam
ily of late deferred their lying down till
the last minute.
"We may as we'll to bed," said John
Lee, at last, sighing YEARLY. Where is
Ezra? Is he abed? 1t is time we were
ell abed, ," he aided, glancing atthe clock.
Where is Janet?'
Here, father, Janet answered, entering
at that moment. She was trembling,
but her father did not observe her.
Neither did he notice her voice, which
was tremulous. II I'd he looked closely
at his daughter he could not have failed
10 observe evidences OF extraordinary ex-
citement. That he did not remark this
was evidence to her of the load of care
which oppressed him, as he retired with
a heavier step than usual. Mistress Lee
followed him, first charging Janet to
obey her father promptly, as the night
was wearing Oh.
"In q little while, mother-I will not
be long," answered Janet.
Ann Bigger looked askance at her, and
Janet looked squarely in the servants
face. Then Ann Bigger made pretense
of bustling about Janet sat down and
folded her hands in her lap. At last Ann
Bigger, seeing Janet sitting motionless,
with q great fourishing of her skirts left
the room.
Still Janet sat thinking. Five, ten
minutes elapsed. Then Janet rose, walked
softly past the window two or three times,
then lifting the light placed it where it
could be seen pl inly from the outside.
Presently light tap came at the door.
Janet opened it and her lover entered.
Il have been waiting this half hour or
more"
Nay, you but think So"
Are they all abed?"
Ezra is not in.
Il thought stumbled against him
while ago. l was not mistaken. Janet,
/ like him not"
Nor does any like him-unless it be
Ann Bigger, who makes him fetch and
carry for her. What news, Arthur? l
s,e It in your face, 1t is bai news.
Her lover smiled family.
Il hear so much that is like the ravlng
of madmen that l will not burden you
with it, even if l had taxed my memory
with it, which did not. 'Tis even said
some one of this family has been seen
near wilkins Pond, and some one going
near Wills Hill, where strange sights and
sounds have terrified many"
Aye, such as lowing of COWS, barking
of dogs and bleating of sheep" said
Janet, scornfully. "Is it Abigail Will
Jams and Ann Putnam who tell these sto-
ries? 1t is as likely as anything such
children can say or invent"
81 would think less if the children said
it,"
well, we'll. Their TX is at least bet
ter than the prattle of the poor babe, lit
tie Mary Lewis, who i; but three years
old and held in Jail as a witness against
her own mother. Have our people lost
their senses, Arthur Proctor, that such
things can be-"
They have lost their hearts as we'll, "
said her lover gloomily. They seem TO
have turned to stone"
The lovers we're so deeply absorbed
that thew took no notice of the face that
looked at them through the window.
who of us is accused, Arthur, or who
is at the bottom of these stories concern
irg us?"
ans swered. 1T is because | would not
knowingly do any man injustice;
That is enough. 1t is Giles Ellis you
suspect.
Arthur Proctor bowed.
Janet answered, IF it is really Giles,
be has great influence with the ma9is-
rates.
sAnd may do you mischief.
The door latch was lifted at that in
slant, and Ezra Easty entered, followed
oy the Marshal of Salem.
Did l not tell you we would find SOM
,ne with her?"
The apprectice pointed to Arthur Proc
Tor. Proctor advanced threateningly.
How dare you" But Ezra, shielded
by the Marshal, saucily replied:
Il dare mo than that, as l can provo
easily"
But Arthur pushed the Marshal aside,
and boxed the apprentices ears soundly.
"The noise brought John Lee into the
room, followed by Dorothea and Ann
Bigger, who stood in the doorway.
What is the meaning OF this violence
at this hour, Samuel Hobbs?"
Ask Arthur Proctor. but came be-
tween him and your apprentice.
I'll have him cted," Ezra wbined.
Janet" said her father, "what does
Arthur Proctor want here at this hour?"
Janet faced her father courageously.
He came because asked him to bring
such rumors as he can gather concerning
us"
What did tell you?"
The apprentice turned to the Marshal.
as she not bold?'
Peace" said John Lee sternly.
I'll not be silent and let the mistress
say me and Ann Bigger steal your cake
and meat!
Dorothea Lee, advancing from the door,
suddenly inteTposed now.