CHAPTER XXII.
The Reverend Master Parris Exorcises "Little Witch." It will be remembered that Squire Hathorne had directed that Dulcibel's little horse should be handed over to the Reverend Master Parris, in order that it might be brought into due subjection.
This had pleased Master Parris very much.

In the first place he was of a decidedly acquisitive turn--as had been shown in his scheming to obtain a gift of the minister's house and orchard--and moreover, if he was able to cast out the devil that evidently possessed this horse, and make it a sober and docile riding animal, it would not only be the gain of a very pretty beast, but would prove that something of the power of casting out devils, which had been given to the disciples of old, had come down unto him.

In such a case, his fame probably would equal, if not surpass, that of the great Boston ministers, Increase and Cotton Mather.
Goodman Buckley had brought down the little mare, the next morning after the examination.

The mare would lead very well, if the person leading her was on horseback--very badly, if he were not, except under peculiar circumstances.

She was safely housed in the minister's stable, and gazed at with mingled fear and admiration by the family and their immediate neighbors.