n.

"They had no gingerbread dolls that day, but later I brought them home a
fine bearskin rug, on which they now sit for their bedtime stories."

THE WITCHES OF 1656.

Strawberry Bank had not only taken the name of Portsmouth, but other
changes had also crept in. In place of logs, houses were built of bricks
burned in the dooryard; or else were constructed of frames of oak, often
with pitched roofs that sloped to the ground.

It was in such a house as this that Hannah Puddington lived. Old Buff,
her large, yellow cat, would sometimes run to the ridgepole and from
there watch for the river boats as they returned with fresh fish.

One April morning Old Buff hungrily followed little Hannah to the
landing, where she went with her mother to secure a fresh supply of fish
to salt and dry, as well as some to cook at once.

As they returned, Goodman Trimmings stopped them to tell of the sad
condition of his wife. "She has surely been bewitched by Goody Walford,
whom she met in the woods. When she first came home, she could not speak.
Her breathing troubled her, but later she complained that her back was as
a flame of fire and her limbs numb with cold. Goody Walford told her that
she would take a long journey but would never return, and then the witch
seemed to vanish in the shape of a cat. My wife has since been very
ill."

[Illustration]

Goodwife Puddington listened with alarm. "How frightful to find
witchcraft on our own shores! Charlestown and Salem have been so invaded
by it. There even children have been accused." Fearfully she grasped
little Hannah by the hand and hurried home.

When the fish were well cooked, Mrs. Puddington laid one temptingly on a
hot pewter plate and covered it.

"There, Hannah, take this to Goodwife Trimmings. It may tempt her
appetite. Yes, little Jacob may go with you."

Old Buff followed the two children down the grassy path and through a
short stretch of woods to the neighbor's. As they returned, Hannah saw a
queer looking figure digging roots in the woods. Her waistcoat and
petticoat were red; her old apron green. She wore a black hat over a
white linen hood tied under her chin. It was Goody Walford. Friendly Old
Bluff darted to her side, while Hannah seized Jacob's hand and ran for
home. Her haste and fright moved the little fellow to howls and tears.

"Stop," commanded Hannah, "you must not cry, for then they will say that
I have bewitched you, and may be they will hang