me?"

"I do not, knowingly."

"False tool of Satan! Did not your shape come at me last night?"

"Assuredly not."

"Oh woman, woman! why will you speak so falsely? I saw you."

"When?"

"Last night, as I lay in my bed, you came and choked me, because I would
not sign the little red book which you carried in your hand."

Filled with wonder, Charles Stevens turned his eyes upon Cora, whose
face expressed blank amazement, and asked:

"What does this mean?"

"I take God to be my witness, that I know nothing of it, no more than
the child unborn," she answered.

"Woe is the evil one, who speaks falsely when accused!" cried the
enraged Sarah Williams. Then she closed her fist and made an effort to
strike Cora, who, with a scream, shrunk from her.

"Hold, Sarah Williams! Don't judge hastily, or you may judge wrongly."

"Go to! hold your peace, Charles Stevens, for, verily, I know whereof I
speak, when I charge that the shape of Cora Waters does grievously
torment me."

"Are you mad?"

"No."

"Then of what do you accuse her?"

"She is a witch."

At this awful accusation both Charles and Cora shrunk back in dismay,
and for a moment neither could speak; but Sarah Williams was not silent.
She continued upbraiding the unfortunate girl, heaping charge upon
charge on her innocent head, until Cora felt as if she needs must sink
beneath the load.

"You have bewitched my cows; my sheep and swine die mysteriously. Your
form is seen oft at night riding through the air. My poultry die
strangely and mysteriously, and my dog has fits. Even my poor cat hath
fallen under the evil spell which you cast on all about me. Alas, Cora
Waters, you are bold and bad. Charles Stevens, beware how you are seen
about her, lest the wrath that will fall upon her head involve you in
ruin."

Cora Waters, leaning against a tree, covered her face with her hands and
murmured:

"Oh, God! wilt thou save me from the wrath of these misguided people?"

"See how she blasphemes! For a witch to call on the name of God is
blasphemy of the very worst kind. Away, witch!" and Sarah stamped her
foot in violence upon the ground.

"Stay, Cora!" Charles interposed, very calmly. Then he turned upon Sarah
Williams, and added:

"You accuse her falsely, Sarah. Beware how you charge her of what the
law makes a crime, or you may have to answer in a court for slander."

"Charles Stevens, beware how you defend the being at your side. She is
an imp of dark