Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1893-10-27
CHAPTER xvi.
JANET BEFORE THE JUDGES.


OF all the strange and striking scenes
witnessed in the Meeting House in Salem
in those perilous days none excited more
interest than the examination Of Janet
Lee. The crowd that gathered inside an
outside the Meeting House expressed
amazement at the self-possession she
displayed. Deputy Governor Thomas
Danforth, with q magistrte on either
side of him, presided. His preliminary
remarks were brief. They were to the
effect that the prisoner, and her friends,
as we'll as all present. were fully advised
of the nature of the ofense with which
she was charged. 1t was sufficient 10 say
she was charged with witchcraft
When Governor Danforth concluded,
and the Sheriff told Janet Lee to stand
up. heads were twisted and elevated;
every body stood on tip-t toe to look at her.
Janet returned their looks wi b COM
posure that excited nervous comments.i
There was, however, but one sentiment
when her father and mother entered. All
sympathized with them.
When Governor Danfort ordered the
witnesses 10 be called, perfect silence
ensued. Marshal Hobbs called upon Ezra
Easty to come forward. Before Ezra had
time to comply, John Lee rose, and in
loud, clear voice, asked:
"Who brings this charge against my
daughter"
That will be made known in due sea-
son." one of the magistrates replied, lei
the witness be sworn.
A murmur arose as Ezra Easty stepped
forward. Befofe the Sheriff could adj
minister The oath, Arthur Proctor asked:
as it customary to proceed without
bringing the accused and the accuser facI
10 face?"
"Who is that young MANI" Gov. Dan
forth looked from one to the other, but no
one answered, whereupon Arthur Pros
replied;
"A friend of the accused and lover Of
justice. My name is Arthur Proctor.
ut were we'll for the accused you helc
your peace, said Danforth severely.
SThese proceedings must be guided by
the necessities of the cases brought b.
fore us. Let the witness be sworn.
Ezra, when duly sworn, trembled. His
face flushed. The flush deepened when
he spoke in answer to the first quest on.
Ezra Easty, what do you know con-
cerning this natter" He looked at the
floor as he replied;
Il know MT Janet Lee on Wills Hill
last night. 1t was not so dark but l
could hear her, Ond feel her when she
struck me, and tore herself away from
my grasp ,r
"I called out and taxed her with coming
there. Then / took hold of her and all
at once | was tossed aside like feather,
and was alone.
why did you go TO Wills Hill?.
"As Ann Bigger can prove, followed
her to make sure whether she carried the
bread and milk she took from her father E
house. Her mother said Ann and me
stole them. followed her after prayers,
as Ann Bigger will bear me out, after we
saw her take the cakes.
-Janet Lee" said Governor Danforth,
"you.haye heard the witness. You have
admitted the neckerchief he took from
the person he found on Wills Hill is
YOURS. John Lee, have you anything to
ask the witness2"
John Lee shook his head. Whatever
I NAV have to say is as well unsaid fol
the present What would it profit us?"
Il think it would be we'll to give him
time to make answer" said Giles Ellis.
THAT is impossible, answered one oil
the magistrates. "We cannot delay these
proceeding If nobody makes answer
We will take the testimony and pass OIL
it after due consideration.
ITO BE CONTINUED