Dulcibel: A Tale of Old Salem

  CHAPTER XLI.

  Master Raymond is Arrested for Witchcraft.

  As Master Raymond walked up the street toward the Red Lion, he felt inbetter spirits. He had secured the aid, if things should come to theworst of a very influential friend--and one who, woman-like, would be aptto go even farther than her word, as noble spirits in such cases are aptto do. Therefore he was comparatively light-hearted.

  Suddenly he felt a strong grasp upon his shoulder; and turning, he saw acouple of men beside him. One he knew well as deputy-marshall Herrick,of Salem.

  "You are wanted at Salem, Master Raymond," said Marshall Herrickgravely, producing a paper.

  Raymond felt a sinking of heart as he glanced over it--it was thewarrant for his arrest, issued by Squire Hathorne.

  "At whose complaint?" he asked, controlling his emotions, and speakingquite calmly and pleasantly.

  "At the complaint of Mistress Ann Putnam and Master Jethro Sands,"replied the officer.

  "Of witchcraft? That is very curious. For as Dr. Griggs knows, justbefore I left Salem Farms, I was suffering from 'an evil hand' myself."

  "Indeed!" said the officer.

  "When am I to go?"

  "Immediately. We have provided a horse for you."

  "I should like to get my valise, and some clothes from the Red Lion."

  The officer hesitated.

  Master Raymond smiled pleasantly. "You must be hungry about this time ofday, and they have some of the best wine at the Lion I ever tasted. Youshall drink a bottle or two with me. You know that a man travels all thebetter for a good dinner and a bottle of good wine."

  The officers hesitated no longer. "You are a sensible man, MasterRaymond, whether you are a witch or not," said the deputy marshall.

  "I think if the wine were better and plentier around Salem, there wouldbe fewer witches," rejoined Master Raymond; which the other officerconsidered a very witty remark, judging by the way he laughed at it.

  The result of this strategic movement of Master Raymond's, was that hehad a couple of very pleasant and good-humored officials to attend himall the way to Salem jail, where they arrived in the course of theevening. Proving that thus by the aid of a little metaphorical oil andsugar, even official machinery could be made to work a good dealsmoother than it otherwise would. While the officers themselvesexpressed their utter disbelief to the people they met, of the truth ofthe charges that had been brought against Master Raymond; who in truthwas himself "an afflicted person," and had been suffering some time froman "evil hand," as the wise Dr. Griggs had declared.

  The Salem keeper, Uncle Robie, true to his accustomed plan of action,received Master Raymond very gruffly; but after he had got rid of theother professionals, he had a good long talk, and made his cell quitecomfortable for him. He also took him in to visit Antipas, who wasdelighted to see him, and also to hear that Mistress Dulcibel, was quitecomfortably lodged with Keeper Arnold.

  Then the young man threw himself upon his bed, and slept soundly tillmorning. He did not need much study to decide upon his plans, as he hadcontemplated such a possibility as that, ever since the arrest ofDulcibel, and had fully made up his mind in what manner he would meetit. If, however, he had known the results of the conference of the"afflicted circle" two days previous, he would have felt more encouragedas to the probable success of the defence he meditated. The constablethat had aided the deputy-marshall in making the arrest, had agreedhowever to send word to Joseph Putnam of what had occurred; andcomforted by the thought of having at least one staunch friend to standby him, Master Raymond had slept soundly even on a prison pallet.

  The next morning, as early as the rules of the jail would admit, JosephPutnam came to see him. "I had intended to come and see you in Bostonto-day," said Master Joseph, "but the she-wolf was too quick for me."

  "Why, had you heard anything?"

  "Yes, and I hardly understand it. Abigail Williams called to seeGoodwife Buckley yesterday, and told her in confidence that it wasprobable you would be cried out against by Sister Ann and Jethro Sands;and to warn me of it."

  "Abigail Williams!"

  "Yes; and she also dropped a hint that none of the other 'afflictedgirls' had anything to do with it--for they looked upon you as a verynice young man, and a friend."

  "Well, that is good news indeed," said Master Raymond brightening up.

  "And I called upon Doctor Griggs on my way here, and he says he isconfident there was an 'evil hand' upon you when you were suffering atmy house; and he will be on hand at the examination to give histestimony, if it is needed, to that effect."

  "But that terrible sister-in-law of yours! If she could only be keptaway from the examination for half-an-hour; and give me time to impressthe magistrates and the people a little."

  "It might be done perhaps," said Joseph Putnam musing.

  "Do not be too conscientious about the means, my dear friend," continuedMaster Raymond. "Do not stand so straight that you lean backward.Remember that this is war and a just war against false witnesses, theshedders of innocent blood, and wicked or deceived rulers. If I amimprisoned, what is to become of Dulcibel? Think of her--do not think ofme."

  Joseph Putnam was greatly agitated. "I will do all I can for both ofyou. But my soul recoils from anything like deceit, as from wickednessitself. But I will think over it, and see if I cannot devise some way tokeep Sister Ann away, for a time or altogether."

  "Give me at least fifteen minutes to work on the Magistrates, and toenlist the sympathies of the people in my behalf. For me, so far as myconscience is concerned, I should not hesitate to shoot that Jezebel.For the murder of the twenty innocent men and women who have now beenput to death, she is mainly responsible. And to kill her who surelydeserves to die, might save the lives of fifty others."

  Joseph Putnam shook his head. "I cannot see the matter in that light,Friend Raymond."

  "Oh," replied Raymond, "of course I do not mean you should kill MistressAnn. I only put it as giving my idea of how far _my_ conscience wouldallow me to go in the matter. Draw her off in some way though--keep herout of the room for awhile--give me a little time to work in."

  "I will do all I can; you may be sure of that," responded Master Putnamemphatically.

  Here further confidential conversation was prevented by the entrance ofthe marshall.