"Do you know that Mr. Parris hath begun to cry out against some of the people?"
"I have heard as much, and I think the pastor should be more careful, lest he will do an injustice."
Louder shook his head and, seating himself on the green bank of a brooklet, answered:
"Goody Nurse is a witch. She hath grievously tormented me on divers occasions and in divers ways. Fain would I believe her other but I cannot."
"John Louder, you are a deceived and deluded man."
"Nay, nay, Charles, you mock me. I have had her come and sit upon my chest and oppress me greatly with her torments. Have I not been turned into a beast and ridden through thorns and briars at night and awoke to find myself in bed?"
"It was the troubled dream from which you awoke."
"Nay; I found the thorns and briars pricking my hands and legs."
"Perchance you walked in your sleep."