Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1905-08-17
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CHAPTER XXVI.

CHAPTER XXVI.
"HE mist of the morning had lift
ed somewhat, and the light
drizzle had grown to 4 steady
downpour of rain when, the
trial over and the prisoner led back to
her cell, the crowd of people in the as
sembly room began TO file slowly out
of the door, and so great was the in
terest and excitement that. despite the
dampness of the weather, they stood
about the prison in groups, discussing
eagerly the scenes they had just wit
messed.
THE councillor made short shrift Of
her, good gossip" one man said to an
other as they turned their faces to-
ward home and trudged heavily along
the muddy roadway "Elder Williams
was always one for swift justice, but
methought he'd give the witch at least
fortnight to make her peace wi God
an to renounce the devil that hath tax
en- such strong possession of her soul.
But on the sixth day, three hours after
sunrise! 'Tis quick work, man, as ]
say, but happen the council hath wise
reasons for setting an early time that
such as we wot not Of"
"Prithee, she hath repentedr' 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 conyul.
sions. Marry, methinks the councillor
did his duty fairly. The prisoner ask
| cd 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"
| "a man by name of CASTOR, gossip,
| the servant Of the prisoners lover,
| La Fabienne, 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 a hoarse laugh-''that he
| doth make a 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 oi
the trial, stood waiting a little dis
tance apart, with Simon Kempster a
her side.
"I give thee good day, Hetty," called
her friend, Cynthia Camett, approach
ing, greatly excited. Happen l do no
see thee before, We'll make sure t.
stand together at the burning. Al
though, ween, twill be fearsome an
an awful sight, / would not miss
for bright new gold piece. twill b'
something to talk Of O. nights for year.
to come"
| Mlll uOI BO W oCC NNeSAAN De.~-
ed" Hetty answered soberly. by tn'
law / was forced to come today, bu
unless they drag me there with rope
and chains will not see sweet Mar
garet burned"
"Oh, fie on thee for faint heart!
cried the other gayly. 'Thou'd bes
change thy decision" she added as sh
turned away, cas- twill be great day
I do warrant thee"
Soon Mistress Taunston came to
ward them, talking volubly to tn
Widow Dawson.
"Such sleepless nights as L ha
spent" she said dolorously, 'expeef
ing every moment that lightning woul'
strike the house or some Of US b
carried off or struck dumb, l coul'
neer describe to thee. Hetty, go nov
and see that thou dost wear brighte
| face"
"Aye," agreed the widow, mon
know better than / the pain O sleeI
less nights. God be praised, we'y
only five more now. The councilo
showed rare wisdom an care of us i
appointing an early day"
"Mayhap the knowledge that l.
Fabienne is at large" the other SAID
"caused him to feel that for the end
of Justice the prisoners evil spiri
could not be destroyed too speedily
Fear not that he will e'er return,
the widow exclaimed, with an ugl
sneer, tossing her head contemptuous
Iy. "Forsooth, an he doth get throug
the forest with a whole skin, which
much doubt, he will shake the dust
this mountain from off his feet forever
'Tis ever the way of those gallants.
wot all he wanted was her estate
PrIthee, good dame" she continued aft
er moments silence, .'at the prison
er's death do her lands go to the oil
woman, Elsbeth? VIII the witch b
allowed to make disposition of he
: property"
The countenance of Mistress Taun
ston clouded darkly as she replied II
shrlll tones: rs witch possessed o
devils able to dispose OF her property
Hast thou not heard, woman, that Il