This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt: ...take me behind him on his saddle, so as to help me a mile or two on my road. My word, that was a pleasant ride " "But, think you Janet came to see?" asked Will excitedly. "For sure did she," replied the woman grimly. "For 'tis four years ago, and a pale cheek she has carried since that night. But what aileth thee, Will? Why, if you be not as pale as she." She put her hand quite gently on the lad's arm, but he shrank away from her. "I fear you be too cruel, Mary," he muttered uneasily. "Not cruel to thee, my lad," she replied soothingly, "only cruel to those who have tried to crush me. Let's talk of some cunning plan to punish this John Aston and proud Mistress Dorothy." "I could believe thou wert possessed, to take that ride," said Will Somers, looking askance at his half-sister. "I've read lately of the Warbois witches, and how they dealt with the children of one Mr. Throgmorton; 'tis a most strange and cruel tale. Hast ever known one to be possessed, Mary?" "Some would have sworn it was an evil spirit I had hold of you a while since," was Mary's laconic response. "Mayhap it was so," cried the boy. "Tis commonly reported there be many witches in these parts." "We should have good Mr. Darrel to call over them." She spoke so gravely that Will Somers could not be sure whether she was in earnest or was mocking him. The wretched lad was excited and ill; he had, as he said, been lately reading a narrative of the disgraceful proceedings in the case of the so-called Warbois witches; he had heard Miss Darrel tell of the wonderful exorcisms wrought by her adored brother. What wonder was it that the idea of demoniacal...