CHAPTER XXIV.
Master Raymond's Little Plan Blocked.
"Our game is blocked!" said Joseph Putnam to Master Raymond as he rode up one afternoon soon after, and dismounted at the garden gate, where his guest was awaiting him, impatient to hear if anything had yet come from Captain Alden.
"What do you mean ?" said his guest.
"Mean?
Why, that yon she-wolf is too much for us.

Captain Alden is arrested!" "What! Captain John Alden!" "Yes, Captain John Alden!" "On what charge ?" Master Joseph smiled grimly, "For witchcraft!" "Nonsense!" "Yes, devilish nonsense! but true as gospel, nevertheless." "And he submits to it ?" "With all around him crazy, he cannot help it.

Besides, as an officer of the government, he must submit to the laws." "On whose complaint ?" "Oh, the she-wolf's of course--that delectable smooth-spoken wife of my brother Thomas.

How any man can love a catty creature like that, beats me out." "I suppose she found out that I went frequently to see the Captain, when in Boston ?" "I suppose so." "Who could have informed her ?" "Her master, the devil, I suppose." "Where is the Captain to be examined ?" "Oh, here in Salem, where his accusers are.

It comes off tomorrow.