Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-05-16
reasons for setting an early time that

reasons for setting an early time that
such as welwot not Off
| Prithee, she hath repentedw his COM
panion cried eagerly. "Didst thou not
hear the wench say that every living
hour was bitter anguish to herr"
He shook his head gloomily.
Il doubt not but poor Christopher's
body, bruised an bleeding on the
rocks, is before her vision constantly,
not to mention the Widow Dawson's
infant, distorted in dying convul-
sions. Marry. methinks the councillor
did his duty fairly. The prisoner ask
ed for an early day, an he, knowing
Of no good use she could be to any liv-
Ing person. did but grant her request"
The other giving an affirmative
grunt, they walked few PAGES in
silence.
"Didst ever hear such screams and
,shrieks as the old beldame who hath
had care of the witch let forth as the
councillor did announce the time Of
the burning? Methought the prisoner
WINGED an grew even paler as the
noisy clamor reached her."
YEA, friend, / heard Them" replied
the first speaker, with rough serious
ness. "Such eerie sounds could not but
go through the stoutest heart. Who
vast that led the faithful old dame
from the chamber an put her on her
horse Pc
"a man by name of CASTOR. gossip,
the servant Of the prisoners lover.
La Fablenne, who hath Remained at
the Maryland farm as helper. Some
say It's kindness, but as the fellows
master left him naught Of gold to pay
for lodging at the inn an no one
without the countersign can go down
| the mountain past the guards station.
ed at the rocky ledge on the roadway
ha' mile below the village l doubt
not''-with hoarse laugh-'that he
doth make virtue Of necessity"
Still discussing the situation, they
passed on, followed by long stream
of stern faced, gray clad men and
women, some talking excitedly as
they picked their way from stone to
stone over the muddy road and others
walking in grim silence, with sealed
! lips, but an expression Of triumphant
satisfaction at the verdict Of the court
shining forth on their stern coun-
tenances. Others, reluctant to leave
and regardless Of the steady fall OF
rain, stood about the prison door,
watching with curious interest the
mounting and riding away Of the chief
councillor and the members Of the
council.
In obedience to command from
her mother Hetty Taunston, frighten-
ed and disheartened at the result OF
the trial, stood waiting little dis.
lance apart, with Simon Kempster at
her side.
81 give thee good day, Hetty," called
her friend, Cynthia Camett, approach.
ing, greatly excited. Happen I do not
see thee before, we'll make sure to
stand together at the burning. AL
though, ween, twill be fearsome an
an awful sight, I would not miss II
for a bright new gold piece. Twill be
something to talk Of O. nights for years
to come"
/ IT will not go to see my cousin burn
ed" Hetty answered soberly. by the
law was forced to come today, but
unless they drag me there with ropes
4 and chains will not see sweet Mar.
garet burned
/ "Oh, ie on thee for q faint heart!
cried the other gayly "Thou'd best
change thy decision" she added as she
(. turned away, "as twill be great day
I do warrant thee"
Soon Mistress Taunston came to.
ward them, talking volubly to the
Widow Dawson.
''Such sleepless nights as l ha
spent" she said dolorously, expect
ing every moment that lightning would
strike the house or some Of US be
carried off or struck dumb, could
! neer describe to thee. Hetty, go now
i and see that thou dost wear brighter
I face"
..Aye," agreed the widow, none
know better than I the pain O. sleep.
less nights. God be praised, we've
only five more now. The councillor
showed rare wisdom an care Of us III
j appointing an early day"
j ''AIayhap the knowledge that La
Fabienne is at large" the other said
caused him to feel that for the ends
Of justice the prisoners evil spirit
i could not be destroyed too speedily"
\ "Fear not that he will e'er return
the widow exclaimed, with an ugly
sheer, tossing her head contemptuous
ly. "Forsooth, an he doth get through
the forest with whole skin, which
much doubt, he will shake the dust of
this mountain from off his feet forever
TITS ever the way Of those gallants.
wot all he wanted was her estate
Prithee, good dame,'' she continued aft
err a moments silence, Eat the prison
er's death do her lands go to the old
woman, Elsbeth? Will the witch be
allowed to make disposition Of hel
property"
:, The countenance Of Mistress Taun.
ston clouded darkly as she replied in