Matters had come to such a pass now, that none of us was safe from death. So far from abating the witch fever had laid hold of the townsfolk more violently, so that they even meditated setting fire to the gaol, to burn us like rats in a trap[trap]. When this news, told with brutal pleasure by the guards, came to us, myself and some of the bolder ones, resolved to sit tamely by no longer. We would break gaol.
The prison we were in was not unlike a blockhouse save that the loops, or windows, were high up, out of reach of one standing on the floor. There was but one entrance, and that was closed by a heavy door, hung on massive iron hinges and studded with big nails. We knew that only an axe could open a way through that. Outside of this door was an apartment, two stories in height, where the jailer stayed. The guard was also quartered there.
The gaol room was divided into two parts by a thin partition, the men being on one side, and the women on the other, with a door of communication between. There were always several men on guard in the jailer’s room, and they were fully armed.
When we had talked over the situation we could but admit it was no small matter to escape. One plan after another we considered and, in turn, rejected, for, though we hungered for liberty, we did not wish to fail in the attempt and die by the musket or the sword.
We decided that force, without some preparation beforehand, was not to be thought of, and it was voted strategy must serve our ends. So we sharpened what little wits we had left, and, at length, seemed to have hit on a plan which had its advantages.
It was talked over, laid aside, and, as none better presented, we all agreed to it. That is, all but the women. We did not take them into our counsels, though we had in mind to release them with ourselves.
The fifth night, after the full of the moon, was fixed on for the breaking of gaol. Anxious were the days and nights that intervened.
It began to rain on the evening appointed, shortly after the last meal had been served. It was dismal within and not less gloomy without, but we welcomed that, for it would mean that few persons would be prowling about. There would also be complete darkness, and we needed that.
Now, when we had been given our suppers, I put by some of my bread and a cup of water. When night had fallen I mixed this into paste, and Elias Jenkins smeared it over my face, in accordance with our plan. I looked as though I had on a death’s mask.
When this was done and it was near to midnight, at which hour the guard was to change, I went into a corner of the room, farthest removed from the door and huddled up like a man in great distress of body. Only I left my face visible, so that the light from the single candle in the apartment fell upon my dough-covered countenance.