CHAPTER XIV.
Bad News.
The blow fell at last, and where they might have expected it. As JosephPutnam said afterwards, "Why did I not bring them out to my house? Theywould not have dared to take them from under my roof, and they could nothave done it if they had dared."
One of his servants had been sent to the village on an errand; he hadnot performed his errand, but he had hurried back at once with the news.Dulcibel Burton had been arrested the previous evening, about nineo'clock, on the charge of being a witch. Antipas Newton had also beenarrested. Both had been taken to prison, and put in irons.
A desperate, determined look came into the faces of the two men as theygathered every word the servant had to tell. Young Mistress Putnam burstinto tears. But the men dashed a tear or two from their eyes, and beganto collect their thoughts. It was not weeping but stern daring, thatwould be needed before this thing was through.
The prisoners were to be brought up that afternoon for examination. "Ihave my two men, who will follow wherever I lead them," said MasterPutnam. "That makes four of us. Shall we carry her off from under theirvery eyes?" And his face glowed--the fighting instinct of his race wasvery strong within him.
"It might not succeed, those men are neither cowards nor babies,"answered his guest. "Besides, it would lead probably to your banishmentand the confiscation of your property. No, we must have the wisdom ofthe serpent, as well as the boldness of the lion."
"The result of the examination may be favorable, so young and good andbeautiful as she is," said Mistress Putnam.
"They lap their tongues in the blood of lambs, and say it is sweet ashoney," replied her husband, shaking his head. "No, they will show nomercy; but we must try to match them."
"Yes, and with as little hazard and cost to you, my noble friend, aspossible," said Master Raymond. "Let me act, and take all the risk. Theycannot get hold of my property; and I would just as lief live in NewYork or Philadelphia or England as among this brood of crazy vipers."
"That is wise counsel, Joseph," said his wife.
"Oh, I suppose it is," he answered emphatically. "But I hate wisecounsel."
"Still, my good friend, you must admit that, as Dulcibel betrothedherself to me only two days ago, I am the one to take the greatest riskin this matter."
"Indeed!" said Mistress Putnam. "I knew it would be so; and I toldJoseph it would be, only yesterday."
"I give you joy of such a mistress!" cried Master Putnam, grasping hisfriend's hand. "Yes, I grant now your right of precedence in thisdanger, and I will follow your lead--yes, to the death!"
"I hold you to that," said Master Raymond. "Remember you are pledged tofollow my lead. Now, whatever I do, do not wonder, much less express anywonder. For this is war, and I have a right to meet craft with craft,and guile with guile. Depend upon it, I will save her, or perish withher."