Come along with me." "What does all this mean, friend Herrick ?" said Goodman Buckley, coming into the room.
"It means," said the constable, "that this young woman is no better than the other witches, who have been joining hand with Satan against the peace and dignity of this province." Then, turning to Dame Buckley, "Get her a shawl and bonnet, goodwife; if you do not wish her to go out unprotected in the night's cold." "A witch--what nonsense!" said Dame Buckley.
"Nonsense, is it ?" said the other constable.

"What is this ?" taking up the book from the table.

"A book of plays! profane and wicked stage plays, in Salem village! You had better hold your peace, goodwife; or you may go to prison yourself for harboring such licentious devices of Satan in your house." Goodwife Buckley started and grew pale.

A book of wicked stage-plays under her roof! She could make no reply, but went off without speaking to pack up a bundle of the accused maiden's clothing.
"See here!" continued the constable, opening the book, "All about witches, as I thought! He-cat and three other witches! 'Round about the cauldron go: In the poisoned entrails throw.' It is horrible!" "Put the accursed book in the fire, Master Taunton," said Herrick.
There was a small fire burning on the hearth, for the evening was a little cool, and the other constable threw the book amidst the live coals; but was surprised to see that it did not flame up rapidly.
"That is witchcraft, if there ever was witchcraft!" said Jethro Sands, who was at the front of the crowd.

"See, it will not burn.