"You admit then that her education has been irregular?"
"You can twist what I say as you like, Sam Talcott," said Matthew in a steely anger. "But I swear before all present, on my word as a freeman of the colony, that the girl is no witch."
"We are obliged to listen to the testimony, Matthew," said Captain Talcott reasonably. "I will thank you to keep silent. What is your opinion of the case, Dr. Bulkeley?"
Dr. Bulkeley cleared his throat. "In my opinion," he said deliberately, "it is necessary to use the greatest caution in the matter of testimony. Since the unnatural events so far recounted appear to rest in each case upon the word of but one witness, the legality of any one of them is open to question."
"It is ridiculous to talk of legality," interrupted Matthew. "There has not one word been spoken that makes sense!"
For the last few moments Goodwife Cruff had been vehemently prodding her husband. He rose now obediently. "Sir, I have summat to say as makes sense," he announced, assuming a bold tone, "and there's more than one witness to prove it. I've got summat here as was found in the widow's house that night."
With a sinking heart Kit watched as he drew an object from his pocket. It was not the hornbook, as she expected. It was the little copybook. At the sight of it Goodwife Cruff's anger burst through all restraints.
"Look at that!" she demanded. "What do you say about that? My Prudence's name, written over and over. 'Tis a spell, that's what it is! A mercy the child is alive today. Another hour and she'd have been dying like all the others!"
The magistrate accepted the copybook reluctantly, as though it were tainted.
"Do you recognize this book, Mistress Tyler?"
Kit could barely stand upright. She tried to answer, but only a hoarse whisper came out.
"Speak up, girl!" he ordered sharply. "Does this book belong to you?"
"Yes sir," she managed.
"Did you write this name?"
Kit could barely swallow. She had vowed she would never deceive her uncle again! Then, remembering, she looked back at the copybook. Yes, the name on the first line was in her own hand, large and clear for Prudence to copy. "Yes sir," she said, her voice loud with relief. "I wrote the name."
Matthew Wood passed a hand over his eyes. He looked old, old and ill as he had looked that day beside Mercy's bed.
"Why should you write a child's name over and over like that?"
"I - I can't tell you sir."
Captain Talcott looked perplexed. "There are no other children's names here," he said. "Why did you choose to write the name of Prudence Cruff?"
Kit was silent.
"Mistress Tyler." The magistrate spoke to her directly. "I had considered this morning's inquiry merely a formality. I did not expect to find any evidence worthy of carrying to the court. But this is a serious matter. You must explain to us how this child's name came to be written."
As Kit looked back at him mutely, the restraint that held the tensely waiting crowd gave way. Men and women leaped to their feet, screaming.
"She won't answer! That proves she's guilty!"
"She's a witch! She's as good as admitted it!"
"We don't need a jury trial. Put her to the water test!"
"Hanging's too good for her!"
From The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare