was that cold. Wauns! I wish I were in the chimney corner at the
Court House ordinary!"

The master of Westover flung his riding cloak to one of the constable's
men. "Wrap it around the shivering iniquity on the ground yonder; and you,
Tom Hope, that brought warning of what your neighbors would do, mount and
take the witch behind you. Master Constable, you will lodge Hecate in the
gaol to-night, and in the morning bring her up to the great house. We
would inquire why a lady so accomplished that she can dry a mill stream to
plague a miller cannot drain a pool to save herself from drowning!"

At a crossing of the ways, shortly before Court House, gaol, and ordinary
were reached, the adventurous Colonel gave a good-night to the constable
and his company, and, with a negro servant at his heels, rode gayly on
beneath the stars to his house at Westover. Hardy, alert, in love with
living, he was well amused by the night's proceedings. The incident should
figure in his next letter to Orrery or to his cousin Taylor.

It figured largely in the table-talk next morning, when the sprightly
gentleman sat at breakfast with his daughter and his second wife, a fair
and youthful kinswoman of Martha and Teresa Blount. The gentleman,
launched upon the subject of witchcraft, handled it with equal wit and
learning. The ladies thought that the water must have been very cold, and
trusted that the old dame was properly grateful, and would, after such a
lesson, leave her evil practices. As they were rising from table, word was
brought to the master that constable and witch were outside.

The Colonel kissed his wife, promised his daughter to be merciful, and,
humming a song, went through the hall to the open house door and the
broad, three-sided steps of stone. The constable was awaiting him.

"Here be mysteries, your Honor! As I serve the King, 't weren't Goody
Price for whom I ruined my new frieze, but a slip of a girl!" He waved his
hand. "Will your Honor please to look?"

Audrey sat in the sunshine upon the stone steps with her head bowed upon
her arms. The morning that was so bright was not bright for her; she
thought that life had used her but unkindly. A great tree, growing close
to the house, sent leaves of dull gold adrift, and they lay at her feet
and upon the skirt of her dress. The constable spoke to her: "Now,
mistress, here's a gentleman as stands for the King and the law. Look up!"

A white hand was laid upon the Colonel's ar