Page:Salem - a tale of the seventeenth century (IA taleseventeenth00derbrich).pdf/187

 "Ahem!" said the magistrate, settling his laced neck-tie, and somewhat disconcerted by the unexpected answer. "Oh! you know that, then, do you? And now your turn, my little maid—tell me, if you can, what you don't know."

Raising her clear, soft eyes to his face, the child without a moment's hesitation replied, "I don't know what you will do with all the poor witches, uncle."

"Good!" said the questioner, turning to his sister. "I could not have answered the questions better myself. Your children are quick-witted, and appear to be well posted up in the topics of the day, Sister Hannah."

"Only too much so," said the mother with a sad sigh; "it is no subject of congratulation to me, I assure you, Jonathan.—You may go now, my children. I wish to talk with your uncle. You and Mary may play in the garden till dinner-time, Johnny; but do not go down to the water." As the little ones wandered away among the flowers, Mrs. Browne arose and carefully shut the glass doors behind her, and looked anxiously up