Judge. I shall return immediately. (Enter Mandy in haste.) Ah, here is the wench. How are your mistresses, Mandy?
(Mandy falls back amazed and gazes at Judge with rolling eyes. She slowly backs into a corner and does not take her eyes from him.)
Mandy. Is you a ghos’, sir? I heard de ladies say you was executioned. Please, Mr. Ghos’——
Judge (laughing). Nonsense, Mandy. I am true flesh and blood. How fares Miss Boltwood?
Will. How is Miss Betty?
Mandy. Dey is all well, sir. Dat is, dey is feelin’ awful bad dat you is executioned. On dat account dey is startin’ on de coach to-night for Bos’on, sir.
Will. What does she mean?
Judge. Executed! What tale is this?
Mandy. De tale dat you is executioned as a spy, sir, for de Britishers. Missy Boltwood she say dat am a lie, an’ she goin’ to save you, sir.
Judge. Bless her for her faith in me.