Dulcibel: A Tale of Old Salem

by Henry Peterson

  CHAPTER L.

  Bringing Affairs to a Crisis.

  The next morning a note came to Master Raymond from Joseph Putnam,brought by one of the farm-hands.

  It was important. Abigail Williams had called upon Goodwife Buckley, andtold her in confidence that it was in contemplation, as she had learnedfrom Ann Putnam, to bring Dulcibel Burton back to Salem jail again. Theescape of Captain Alden and the Englishes from the Bridewell in Boston,had caused a doubt in Salem as to its security. Besides, Lady Phips hadtaken ground so openly against the witch prosecutions, that there was noknowing to how great an extent she might not go to aid any prisoner inwhom she took an interest.

  Abigail Williams further said that Mistress Ann Putnam had become verybitter both against her brother-in-law Joseph and his friend MasterRaymond. She was busy combatting the idea that the latter really everhad been afflicted--and was endeavoring to rouse Squire Hathorne'sindignation against him as being a deceiver.

  As the young man read this last, he wondered what effect would beproduced upon the credulous magistrate, when he received word fromMaster Mather as to what had occurred in the Governor's presence. Wouldhe be so angry as to take very arbitrary measures; or so ashamed as tolet it all pass, rather than expose the extent to which he had beenduped? He feared the former--knowing in which way Mistress Ann Putnam'sgreat influence with him would be directed.

  Master Joseph advised immediate action--if peaceable means would notserve, then the use of violent ones. If Captain Tolley could not findamong his sailors those who would undertake the job, he, Master Joseph,would come down any night with three stout men, overpower the keepers,and carry off Mistress Dulcibel, with the requisite amount of violenceto keep her promise unbroken.

  Master Raymond wrote a note in return. He was much obliged for theinformation. It was evident that the time had come for action; and thatit was dangerous to delay much longer. Of course peaceable means were tobe preferred; and it was possible he might be able either to bribe thekeeper, or to get a release from the Governor; but, if force had to beresorted to, Captain Tolley could command his whole crew for such aservice, as they were the kind of men who would like nothing better. Infact, they would not hesitate to open fire upon the town, if he orderedit--and even run up the flag of a French privateer.

  After dispatching this business, Master Raymond went out on the porch ofthe Red Lion, and began an examination of the clouds and theweather-cocks. It had been raining slightly for a day or two, with thewind from the southeast; but though the vanes still pointed to thesoutheast, and the light lower clouds were moving from the same pointof the compass, he caught glimpses through the scud of higher cloudsthat were moving in an entirely opposite direction.

  "How do you make it out?" said a well-known voice. He had heard some oneapproaching, but had supposed it to be a stranger.

  "I am not much of a sailor; but I should say it would clear up, with abrisk wind from the west or the northwest by afternoon."

  "Aye!" said Captain Tolley, for it was he; "and a stiff nor'wester bynight. If it isn't I'll give my head for a foot-ball. Were I bound outof the harbor, I would not whistle for a better wind than we shall havebefore six hours are over."

  Master Raymond glanced around; no one was near them. "Are you certain ofthat, Captain? Would it do to bet upon?

  "You may bet all you are worth, and your sweetheart into the bargain,"replied the Captain laughing, with a significant look out of his eyes.

  "When are you going, Captain?"

  "Oh, to-night, perhaps--if I can get all my live stock on board.

  "To-night then let it be," said the young man in a whisper; "by fairmeans, or by foul. I may succeed by fair means; have a boat waiting atthe wharf for me. It will be light enough to get out of the harbor?"

  "There is a gibbous moon--plenty. Once past the castle, and we are safe.We can easily break open the keeper's house--and quiet him with a pistolat his head."

  "You must not harm him--he has been a good friend to her."

  "Of course--only scare him a little. Besides, he is not a good friend,if he makes a noise."

  "Well, I will see you by ten o'clock--with her or without her--Yes, Iwill bet you a gold piece, Captain, that the wind gets around to thewest by four o'clock." This last was in Master Raymond's usualtones--the previous conversation having been in whispers.

  "You will be safe enough in that, Master Raymond," said the landlord ofthe Red Lion, whose steps the young Englishman had heard approaching.

  "Do you think so? I do not want to take the young man's money, he isonly a landsman you know, Mate; but I will bet you a piece of eight thatthe wind will not get around till a half hour after that time. And wewill take it all out in drinks at your bar, at our leisure."

  "Done!" said the landlord. "And now let us go in, and take a drink allaround in advance."