‘Oh, is she charged with witchcraft again?’ asked Giles.
‘I’m not quite sure,’ said Luke. ‘I questioned her, but she wouldn’t say. Everything had been all right for her for some weeks back, I know; and she had moved freely about the town. But she has mysterious ways of scenting danger. Myself, I fancy it may be this coming visit of the King’s. The Duke is so fearful that something may happen to spoil the party for his royal guest. Well, who knows? I suppose once you’ve been accused of being a witch you’re never really safe. People may blame all sorts of accidents and misfortunes on you. So maybe Agnes feels it’s wiser to keep out of sight just now. She’s afraid of that stupid old Mayor—and he’s afraid of her.’
‘Why?’ asked Anne.
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ said Luke. ‘Most people are afraid of witches.’
‘But she isn’t a witch,’ said Anne.
‘No. Of course she isn’t,’ growled the lame boy.
‘Yet she can do magic, can’t she?’ asked the girl.
‘I don’t know,’ said Luke, frowning. ‘She certainly has done magic to my leg. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have her to cure it for me when it lays me up. She has cured other people in this town, too—those who trusted her. And I don’t believe she ever did anyone any harm in her life. It’s just that she is cleverer than other folk, and wiser. She knows more. But I do wish she wouldn’t keep those cats. People always think that witches have cats around them—that they are what is left of the poor souls they have enchanted. But Agnes won’t give up her cats. She says that nothing anyone says will ever make her turn them out of doors.’
‘Well, I know I’d trust her,’ said Giles. ‘Why, she—Oh, my! There goes that old shell again. Hot as a chestnut!’
‘Who is it this time?’ cried his sister. ‘Get it out quick, Giles, and listen. I wonder, is it Agnes?’