Parris. Good-day, Widow Hutchins, and be of good cheer.
[Exeunt Hathorne and Parris, while Widow Hutchins courtesies.
Giles. Well, I must even be going too. I have my cattle to water. I but bolted in when I heard the poor lass screech, thinking I might do somewhat. But good Master Hathorne will see to it. Hear that! Do ye go up to her, widow, and mix her up a bowl of yarb tea, till they put the trollop in prison. I'm off to water my cattle, then devil take me if I don't give the sheriffs a hand if they need it. Goody Osborn's house is nigh mine. Good-day, widow. [Exit Giles.
Hutchins (laughing). Give the sheriffs a hand, will he? Perchance he will, but I doubt me if 'tis not a fisted one. He sets his life by Goody Corey, however he rate her. (A scream from above of “Mother! Mother!”) Yes, Ann, I'm coming, I'm coming! [Exit.
Phœbe (crawls out from under the bed). Now, Nancy, we've got a chance to run. Come out, quick! Oh, if Uncle Corey had caught us here!
Nancy. I can't get out. Oh! oh! The rheumatiz stiffened me so I couldn't double up, and now it has stiffened me so I can't undouble. No, 'tis not rheumatiz, 'tis Goody Bishop has bewitched me. I can't get out.
Phœbe. You must, Nancy, or some body 'll come and catch us. Here, I'll pull you out.
[Tugs at Nancy's arms, and drags her out, groaning.
Nancy. Here I am out, but I can't undouble. I'll have to go home on all-fours like a cat. Oh! oh!
Phœbe. Give me your hands and I'll pull you up. Think you 'tis witchcraft, Nancy?