Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1906-01-19

{ The Witch Of 4
I CraSenst0ne /
b By ANITA CLAY MUNOZ, FL
s$ of and j.
Fl 1905. By Anita Clay r1unoz IL


n Hill ny udulc VI buotoh, Sof-'p.
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 tie guards station
ed at the rocky ledge on the roadway
a ha' mile below the village l doubt
not'-with a 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 ard
women. some talking eXcitedly as
they picked their way from stone 20
stone oven 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 a command from
her mother Hetty Taunston, frighten-
ed and disheartened at the result Of
the trial. stood waiting a 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 do not
see thee before, we'll make sure to
stand together at the burning AL
though, l ween, twill be fearsome an
an awful sight, 1 would not miss it
for bright new gold piece. Twill be
something to talk of O nights for years
to come"
Il will not go to see my cousin burn
ed" Hetty answered soberly. "By the
law l was forced to come today, but
unless they drag me there with ropes
and chains l will not see sweet Mar
garet burned"
ooh, fie OIL thee for faint hearth
cried the other gayly. "Thou'd best
change thy decision" she added as she
turned away, "as twill be great day,
| / do warrant thee"
Soon Mistress TaunstOn came to-
ward them, talking volubly to the
Widow Dawson.
"Such sleepless nights as I 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, I could
ne'er describe to thee Hetty, go now
and see that thou dost wear brighter
face"
"Aye," agreed the widow, none
know better than 1 the pain O. sleep
less nights. God be praised, we've
only five more now. The councillor
showed rare wisdom an care of us In
appointing an early day"
"Mayhap the knowledge that La
Fabienne is at large" the other said,
"ca.lsed him to feel that for the ends
of Justice the prisoners evil spirit
could not be destroyed too speedily"
Gear not that he will eer return"
the widow exclaimed, with an ugly
sheer. tossing her head cOntemptuous-
ly. "Forsooth, an he doth get through
the forest with a whole skin, which l
much doubt he will shake the dust OF
this mountain from off his feet forever.
IT'S ever the way of those gallants. l
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 old
woman. Elsbeth? Will the witch be
allowed to make disposition OF her
property"
The countenance of Mistress Taun-
ston clouded darkly as she replied in
shrill tones: 'Is a witch possessed OF
devils able to dispose Of her property?
Hast thou not heard, woman, that IN
her fathers will it is stated and legal
" witnessed that my son Josiah, in
case Margaret dieth without issue, Is
the next heir to the estate? Fare thee
well, Widow Dawson, must ha' speech
with Hetty, who, see, doth lag be-
hind"
And the dame, to avoid further con-
versation, abruptly left her companion
to continue her way alone.
In those early days, when the beller
in witchcraft was universal and peo-
pie had strong superstitions, an event
such as the arrest of Margaret May
land, followed by her trial and convic-
ton, gave food for much interesting
conversation. In the long twilight ana
after the candles were lighted these
simple folk sat about their hearth
stones speaking the condemned wom-
ans name in whispers, and If blind
ratified or the wind rose they sat erect,
listening nervOusly, the more umld
covering down in their seats and COW
ering up their faces with their hands.
Every movement Of the prisoner dur
ing the trial, her words, also those or
the councillor, were repeatedly discuss
ed, and they spoke Of her suffering at
the stake, that was to be the expiatlon
Of her sins, with grewsOme eXultatlon
in their voices and gestures. The men
killed lambs and fowl and the women
rose at an earlier hour to get the churn-
ing out Of the way and to do extra
baking in anticipation of visitors, for
it was known that many Puritans from
other settlements would ride to Cragen-
stone that day.
Old Elsbeth, who had been allowed
to see Margaret just once, when she
took her a change Of clothing, spent her
time weeping, wringing her hands and
praying to God to save her young mis-
he, fnfo fh Of AWAIT |