Dulcibel: A Tale of Old Salem

by Henry Peterson

  CHAPTER X.

  Bridget Bishop Condemned to Die.

  Salem, the habitation of peace, had become, by this time a pandemonium.The "afflicted children" were making accusations in every direction, andMistress Ann Putnam, and many others, were imitating their example.

  To doubt was to be accused; but very few managed to keep their headssufficiently in the whirlwind of excitement, even to be able to doubt.With the exception of Joseph Putnam, and his visitor, Ellis Raymond,there were very few, if any, open and outspoken doubters, and indignantcensurers of the whole affair. Dulcibel Burton also, though in a gentlerand less emphatic way, sided naturally with them, but, although she wasmuch less violent in her condemnation, she provoked even more anger fromthe orthodox believers in the delusion.

  For Joseph Putnam, as belonging to one of the most influential andwealthy families in Salem, seemed to have some right to have an opinion.And Master Raymond was visiting at his house, and naturally would beinfluenced by him.

  Besides, he was only a stranger at the best; and therefore, not entirelyresponsible to them for his views. But Dulcibel was a woman, and it wasoutrageous that she, at her years, should set up her crude opinionsagainst the authority of the ministers and the elders.

  Besides, Joseph Putnam was known to be a determined and even ratherdesperate young man when his passions were aroused, as they seldom werethough, save in some just cause; and he had let it be known that itwould be worth any person's life to attempt to arrest him. It was almostthe universal habit of that day, to wear the belt and sword; and Messrs.Putnam and Raymond went thus constantly armed. Master Putnam also kepttwo horses constantly saddled in his stable, day and night, to escapewith if necessary, into the forest, through which they might make theirway to New York. For the people of that province, who did not admiretheir Puritan neighbors very much, received all such fugitives gladly,and gave them full protection.

  As for Master Raymond, although he saw that his position was becomingdangerous, he determined to remain, notwithstanding the period which hehad fixed for his departure had long before arrived. His avowed reasongiven to Joseph Putnam, was that he was resolved to see the crazy affairthrough. His avowed reason, which Master Putnam perfectly understood,was to prosecute his suit to Dulcibel, and see her safely through thedangerous excitement also.

  "They have condemned Bridget Bishop to death," said Master Putnam,coming into the house one morning from a conversation with a neighbor.

  "I supposed they would," replied Master Raymond. "But how nobly she boreherself against such a mass of stupid and senseless testimony. Did youknow her?"

  "I have often stopped at her Inn. A fine, free-spoken woman; a littlebold in her manners, but nothing wrong about her."

  "Did you ever hear such nonsense as that about her tearing down a partof the meeting-house simply by looking at it? And yet there sat the bestlawyers in the colony on the bench as her judges, and swallowed it alldown as if it had been gospel."

  "And then those other stories of her appearing in people's bed-rooms,and vanishing away suddenly; and of her being responsible for theillness and death of her neighbors' children; what could be moreabsurd?"

  "And of the finding of puppets, made of rags and hogs' bristles, in thewalls and crevices of her cellar! Really, it would be utterlycontemptible if it were not so horrible."

  "Yes, she is to be executed on Gallows Hill; and next week! I canscarcely believe it, Master Raymond. If I could muster a score or two ofother stout fellows, I would carry her off from the very foot of thegallows."

  "Oh, the frenzy has only begun, my friend," replied Raymond. "You knowwhose trial comes on next?"

  "How any one can say a word against Mistress Nurse--that lovely andvenerable woman--passeth my comprehension," said Joseph Putnam's youngwife, who had been a listener to the conversation, while engaged in somehousehold duties.

  "My sister-in-law, Ann Putnam, seems to have a spite against that woman.I went to see her yesterday, and she almost foams at the mouth whiletalking of her."

  "The examination of Mistress Nurse before the magistrate comes offto-day. Shall we not attend it?"

  "Of course, but be careful of thy language, Friend Raymond. Do not letthy indignation run away with thy discretion."

  Raymond laughed outright, as did young Mistress Putnam. "This advicefrom you, Master Joseph! who art such a very model of prudence andcold-bloodedness! If thou wilt be only half as cautious and discreet asI am, we shall give no offence even to the craziest of them."