Parris, would have languished. Of his own niece,
the girl of eleven years of age, he demanded the names of the devil's
instruments, who bewitched the band of 'the afflicted,' and then became
at once informer and witness. In those days, there was no prosecuting
officer, and Parris was at hand to question his Indian servants and
others, himself prompting their answers and acting as recorder to the
magistrates. The recollection of the old controversy in the parish could
not be forgotten; and Parris, moved by personal malice as well as blind
zeal, 'stifled the accusation of some,' such is the testimony of the
people of his own village, and, at the same time, 'vigilantly promoting
the accusation of others,' was 'the beginning and procurer of the
afflictions of Salem village and country.' Martha Corey, who, on her
examination in the meeting-house, before a throng, with a firm spirit,
alone, against them all, denied the presence of witchcraft, was
committed to prison. Rebecca Nurse, likewise a woman of purest life, an
object of special hatred of Parris, resisted the company of accusers,
and was committed. And Parris, filling his prayers with the theme, made
the pulpit ring with it. 'Have not I chosen you twelve,'--such was his
text,--'and one of you is a devil?' At this, Sarah Cloyce, sister to
Rebecca Nurse, rose up and left the meeting-house, and she, too, was
cried out upon and sent to prison."

Mrs. Stevens, her son and Cora Waters tried to soothe the fears of the
poor young maid, who, in her hour of affliction, childlike, had flown to
her friends with her tale of woe.

"I will go at once and denounce Mr. Parris for the part he has played in
this!" cried Charles, starting from the house. At the little gate, he
was overtaken by Cora, who, laying her hand on his arm, said:

"Don't go, Charles. Don't leave the house while in this heat of
passion."

"Cora, I cannot endure that hypocrite longer. He is a devil, not a man,
to carry his malice so far."

"But reflect, Charles. What you might say in the heat of your anger can
do poor Goody Nurse no good."

"It will be a relief to me."

"No; it may engender future trouble. This is a trying hour; the danger
is great; let us take time for deliberation."

He was persuaded by Cora to say nothing at that time and returned to the
house. To the sorrowing daughter had been administered such consolation
as faithful, loving friends could offer, and she went home hoping that
her unfo