The Witch of Salem (Historical Novel). John R. Musick

same since Eve first evinced her power over Adam in the garden. Ever since, men have been led by a pretty face often to their ruin. Charles, in a bashful, awkward way, informed the young widow that he was going the same road, and it would not be much out of his way to accompany her to her very door. Of course she was pleased, and Charles and the young widow went away together.

      "Have you never learned the fate of your husband, Sarah?" he asked.

      "No; poor Samuel is dead," she answered.

      "It is sad that you know not his fate. Was he drowned at sea, killed by the Indians, or murdered by the pirates?"

      "I know not. I am very lonely now, Charles."

      "I pity you."

      "Do you?"

      "Verily, I do."

      "Thank you, Charles."

      "Your parents are in Boston, are they not?"

      "Yes."

      "Do you intend to live always thus alone?"

      "Oh, I trust not," and the darkness concealed the sly glance which Sarah cast from her great dark eyes on the unsuspecting youth at her side. The conversation was next changed to Mr. Parris, his quarrel with his flock, and the strange phenomenon developing at his house.

      "What think you of it, Charles?"

      "It is a sham."

      "Oh, no, no! John, the negro man, is bewitched, and has fits."

      "A good flogging would very quickly bring him out of his fits."

      By this time they had reached the door of Sarah Williams' house. She turned upon the youth and, seizing his arm, in a voice trembling with emotion, said:

      "Charles, I beseech of you, as you love life and happiness, do not say aught against Mr. Parris or witchcraft. We stand on the brink of something terrible, and no one knows what the end may be."

      As Charles wended his way homeward, he pondered over the strange words of Sarah Williams, and asked himself:

      "What does she mean?"