As he crossed the hall, he glanced out of the entrance-door which had been left half-closed.
Abigail’s eyes, following the direction of his, beheld the students perched in a row on the front fence.
His Excellency turned, bestowing a grim look on Master Ronald.
“What scarecrows are those on my fence?” he asked. “I doubt not I could make better use of them in my corn-fields.” And with an audible sniff he opened the door on his right and entered the room beyond.
“The Lord in his infinite justice is on our side,” spoke Master Ronald, solemnly, as the door closed behind the Governor. “Praise be unto Him from whom cometh all mercy.” He took a couple of long steps which brought him to Abigail’s side. “Say no word of witchery to his Excellency,” he whispered sternly, “lest you spoil all by a false move. Mind what I say, for he is carried away by fanaticism, and in his zeal to clear the land of witches makes no provision to spare the innocent. Hush!” He drew quickly away as steps were heard in the next room. He clasped his hands behind him and commenced pacing the floor, humming in apparent unconcern:—
“Full fathoms five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell”—
Abigail fairly quaked in her shoes.