“And I heard our parson tell the naughty boys that Submit was the Lord’s afflicted, and that it was forbid in His Holy Word e’er to treat rudely one who was blind or lame or wanting in gumption or good wits. ‘For,’ he said, ‘they are God’s special care. And it be forbid any man to treat them ill.’ With that the judge put his hand in his pocket and drew forth a handful of peppermint drops for Submit. And being a high-tempered body, he cracked another boy over his pate with his walking-stick. ‘’Twill holpen ye to remember your parson’s words,’ quoth he. And then he and the parson walked on arm-in-arm. When I passed Thomas Jenkins who was bellowing yet, I larfed and snickered audible-like, for I ne’er liked naughty boys. It be a goodly sight to clap eyes on Submit these days, so blithe and gay. Nobody dare tease the lad.” “You comfort me greatly,” said the woman; “the Lord’s words were in my heart, but in my misery I had nigh forgot them. You have given me peace. Should you be saved, you will not forget my little son. Though you be but a young maid, God may grant you grace to holpen him as is motherless.” “What be his name?” asked Deliverance. “’Tis Hate-Evil Hobbs,” answered the woman; “he lives in Ipswich.” “I will get father to take me there, and I be saved,” answered Deliverance, drowsily; “now I will lie down and go to sleep again, for I be more wore-out a-pining and a-weeping o’er my sad condition than e’er I be after a long day’s chores at home.” She stretched herself out on the straw and pillowed her head on her arm. “Good-night, dear child,” said the woman. “I will pray that God keep us in the hollow of His hand.” Deliverance, drifting into profound slumber, scarce heard her words. She awoke late. The morning sunshine filled her cell. She was alone. In the corner of the cell, where the woman had lain, were the irons which had fastened her and her straw pallet. Deliverance never saw her again. Chapter VII The Trial of Deliverance At last one fair June day brought her trial. Her irons were removed, and she was conducted by the constable with a guard of four soldiers to the meeting-house. In the crowd that parted at the great door to make way for them were many familiar faces, but all were stern and sad. In all eyes she read her accusation. The grim silence of this general condemnation made it terrible; the whispered comments and the looks cast upon her expressed stern pity mingled with abhorrence. On the outskirts of the throng she observed a young man of ascetic face and austere bearing, clothed in black velvet, with neck-bands and tabs of fine linen. He wore a flowing white periwig, and was mounted on a magnificent white horse. In one hand he held the reins, in the other, a Bible. Upon entering the meeting-house, Deliverance was conducted by the Beadle to a platform and seated upon a stool, above the level of the audience and in plain sight.