He said: "No-no earthly court-" He gripped my shoulders. He asked: "Do you believe it was truth?"
I could not answer, for deep within me I felt it was truth. He said:
"Precisely, Dr. Lowell! You have answered me. You know, as I know, that the girl did speak the truth.
You know, as I know, that our law cannot punish the witch. That is why I must kill her. In doing that, I,
Ricori, am no murderer. No, I am God's executioner!"
He waited for me to speak. Again I could not answer.
"McCann"-he pointed to the girl-"do as I told you. Then return."
And when McCann had gone out with the frail body in his arms, Ricori said:
"Dr. Lowell-you must go with me to witness this execution."
I recoiled at that. I said: