The Phantom Ship.
After a short preparatory interview with Anna Updyke, Dunscomb repaired to the gaol, whither he had already despatched a note to announce his intended visit. Good Mrs. Gott received him with earnest attention; for, as the day of trial approached, this kind-hearted woman manifested a warmer and warmer interest in the fate of her prisoner.
“You are welcome, Mr. Dunscomb,” said this well-disposed and gentle turnkey, as she led the way to the door that opened on the gallery of the gaol; “and welcome, again and again. I do wish this business may fall into good hands; and I’m afraid Timms is not getting on with it as well as he might.”
“My associate has the reputation of being a skilful attorney and a good manager, Mrs. Gott.”
“So he has, Mr. Dunscomb; but somehow—I scarce know how myself—but somehow, he doesn’t get along with this cause, as well as I have known him to get along with others. The excitement in the county is terrible; and Gott has had seven anonymous letters to let him know that if Mary Monson escape, his hopes from the public are gone for ever. I tell him not to mind such contemptible things; but he is frightened half out of his wits. It takes good courage, ’Squire, to treat an anonymous letter with the contempt it merits.”
“It sometimes does, indeed. Then you think we shall have up-hill work with the defence?”
“Dreadful!—I’ve never known a cause so generally tried out of doors as this. What makes the matter more provoking, Mary Monson might have had it all her own way, if she had been so minded; for, at first, she was popularity itself with all the neighbours. Folks nat’rally like beauty, and elegance, and youth; and Mary has enough of each to make friends anywhere.”
“What! with the ladies?” said Dunscomb, smiling. “Surely not with your sex, Mrs. Gott?”
“Yes, with the women, as well as with the men, if she would only use her means; but she stands in her own light. Crowds have been round the outer windows to hear her play on the harp—they tell me she uses the real Jew’s Harp, ’Squire Dunscomb; such as Royal David used to play on; and that she has great skill. There is a German in the village who knows all about music, and he says Mary Monson has been excellently taught—by the very best masters.”
“It is extraordinary; yet it would seem to be so. Will you have the goodness to open the door, Mrs. Gott?”