Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-30
that SO much haste had been deemed

that SO much haste had been deemed
expedient.
THE council. as thou dost know,
Matthew, is composed of wise men,"
he observed, men who foresee danger
and anticipate obstacles that might
rise in their paths. Thy prisoner, Jail
or, hath lover abroad known to have
vast influence at court. AS all the
roads and passes are guarded by good
Furitans heavily armed, his only way
or escape was by the Sterndorf forest,
where he must either die of starvation
or become prey to the hunger of the
wolves"
He snapped his fingers indifferently
as If he did not care which. $50 our
good councilmen, knowing the value
of precaution and having fair knowl-
edge that ofttimes evil doth triumph
over good, deemed 1t eXpedient to set
the trial at the earliest hour, an
warrant thee, Matthew, that If the
prisoner is found guilty and condemn
ed to die her execution will follow
speedily
Doth fear rescue, masterW the
jailer asked, alarm written on his
countenance.
""ris hard telling what intention
was In the mans mind when he left"
Taunston replied soberly. IAN we
We're careless enough to let the pris-
Oner lie here month or so mayhap
the popinjay, safely surrounded by
armed followers, would ride back to
break down the door and bear the
witch away. But" us he saw the
pallor deepen OH the old keepers face,
rest easy, Matthew, an have faith
In the council"
Having finished his discourse, lie
turned his horse about.
zone moment stay thee" the TALLER
cried eagerly. laying OBTAINING hand
on the horses name. An should this
knight find means of escape through
the forest and ride back to save his
lady, this old prison would offer but
poor resistance"
with SO much dispatch will the
council seal the womans fate" Josiah
answered sternly, that unless La Fa.
to speed him on his travels he will ar
rive too late. Fare thee well, Mat
thew"
He started to ride away, then, pulling
rein, suddenly brought his animal to n
standstill.
II Almost forgot to tell thee" he call
ed over his shoulder, that the council
hath under advisement the matter of
sending some other to remain with thee
until the day that thy prisoner hath
been freed or her doom sealed. God be
with thee, Matthew"
Putting spurs to his horse, he rode
away, and the keeper, calling his dog,
turned the great key in the lock and
entered the Jail.
The next morning. despite the fact
that Il heavy mist hung over the noun
tain and a drizzling rain was falling,
the quiet village of Cragenstone pre-
scented scene of unusual activity.
From the various houses people were
Issuing ON their way to the council hall,
and at the Sign of the Red Heart stern
faced Puritans from far distances were
arriving constantly, for the story of
Margarets arrest had been passed
from mouth to mouth over the noun
tain, and in those credulous, supersti-
tious times such sensational event
as the trial of witch was the signal
for a general holiday. Shepherds left
their tiocks. housewives their spinning
wheels, the husbandman laid down his
pillow, and, looming their best attire,
they walked or rode to the scene of in
terest. So all the morning along the
roadways and before the various shops
in the village groups of newcomers ad-
vanced or stood listening with mouths
agape to the startling and fearful tales
told them by the townspeople Of "the
accurst wOman's doings" and the suf-
fering she had caused those that had
come under her evil spell.
Precisely at the hour of noon, as the
rusty iron bell at the prison changed
out the tidings that the time of Marga-
ret's trial had arrived, the chief coun-
cilor and council, accompanied by two
judges from Sterndorf renowned on the
mountain for their knowledge of the
law, made their way through the great
Of people gathered before the
Jail. Trembling with excitement, old
Matthew threw open the door, and
they entered, walking slowly to the
council chamber. followed at u respect
ful distance by the assembled people.
who took seats quietly on the rough
wooden benches prepared for them.
When all We're seated and the clang-
Ing of the bell had ceased, the chief
rose and called loudly the
name Of Matthew Allen.
Immediately the jailer appeared at
the door.
Matthew Allen" he said in solemn
tones. Il call Oh thee in the name Of the