Part 16 (1/2)
But then she smiled--she had the two ministers, and through them all the other ministers of the colony--the magistrates and judges--and the advantages of the original position. Imitators always failed. Still she rather liked the young man's craft and boldness--Joseph Putnam would never have thought of such a thing. But still let him beware how he attempted to thwart her plans. He would soon find that she was the stronger.
Joseph Putnam then began to answer inquiries as to the health of his guest,--that he was not much better, and thought somewhat of going up to Boston for further medical advice--as the medicines given him so far did not seem to work as well as they should do.
”Could he bear the ride?”
”Oh, very well indeed--his illness had not so far affected his strength much.”
CHAPTER XXIV.
Master Raymond's Little Plan Blocked.
”Our game is blocked!” said Joseph Putnam to Master Raymond as he rode up one afternoon soon after, and dismounted at the garden gate, where his guest was awaiting him, impatient to hear if anything had yet come from Captain Alden.
”What do you mean?” said his guest.
”Mean? Why, that yon she-wolf is too much for us. Captain Alden is arrested!”
”What! Captain John Alden!”
”Yes, Captain John Alden!”
”On what charge?”
Master Joseph smiled grimly, ”For witchcraft!”
”Nonsense!”
”Yes, devilish nonsense! but true as gospel, nevertheless.”
”And he submits to it?”
”With all around him crazy, he cannot help it. Besides, as an officer of the government, he must submit to the laws.”
”On whose complaint?”
”Oh, the she-wolf's of course--that delectable smooth-spoken wife of my brother Thomas. How any man can love a catty creature like that, beats me out.”
”I suppose she found out that I went frequently to see the Captain, when in Boston?”
”I suppose so.”
”Who could have informed her?”
”Her master, the devil, I suppose.”
”Where is the Captain to be examined?”
”Oh, here in Salem, where his accusers are. It comes off tomorrow. They lose no time you see.”