"I may as well be hung for a cow as a calf," said the jailer laughing—and he went gravely with one pair of fetters all through the cells, complying literally with the new Governor's orders.
Of course this soon got to the ears of the Rev. Cotton Mather, who went in high indignation to the Governor. But the latter seemed to be very much amused, and could not be brought to manifest any great amount of indignation. "You know that Lady Mary has a will of her own," said he to his pastor. "If you choose to go and talk to her, I will take you to her boudoir; but I am not anxious to get into hot water for the sake of a few witches." The minister thought of it a moment; but then concluded wisely not to go. For, as Lady Mary said to her husband afterwards, "I wish that you had brought him to me. I would have told him just what I think of him, and his superstitious, hard-hearted doings. For me, I never mean to enter North Church more. I shall go hereafter to South Church; Masters Willard and Moody have some Christian charity left in them."
"I think you are too hard on Master Cotton Mather, my dear," replied Sir William mildly.
"Too hard, am I? What would you say if those girl imps at Salem should accuse me next! Your own loving wife,—to the world."
"Oh, my dear wife, that is too monstrous even to think of!"
"No more monstrous than their accusation of Mistress English of Salem, and her husband. You know them—what do you think of that?"
"Certainly, that is very singular and impossible; but Master Mather says—"
"Master Mather ought to be hung himself," said the indignant lady; "for he has helped to murder better people than he is, a great deal."
"My dear, I must remonstrate—"
"And there is Captain Alden—he is a witch, too, it seems!" And Lady Mary laughed scornfully. "Why not you too? You are no better a man than Captain Alden."