" Goodman Merrick," said Mary, walking closely up to
him, and looking him. fiercely in the eye, "what can they do
to me, if lies enough are told about me to prove what I am
charged with ?"

" The magistrate can fine you, or order you to be whip-
ped, or both together. He could do more and worse than
this, but those are the common punishments here."

" You do the whipping, do you ?"

" The constable always does it."

" And would you whip me ?"

" I have sworn faithftilly to perform the constable's
duties."

" Well, now, mark you, Thomas Men-ick (and Mary kept



THE BAY PATH, 29Y

her fierce eyes fixed upon him), I am as innocent of the charge
that you have arrested me on as an nnhorn child — as my
unhorn child — (and her voice sank to a trembling whisper)
and if you abuse me, or bring perU on my burden, I will
pray God to curse you with the last breath I draw. You
are a husband and a parent. Act like one. The people of
this town are determined to make hell of my home; don't
you be guilty of making a devil of me."

The constable was overcome. He knew that Mary de-
spised his office and disliked him, but there was something in
her fiercely courageous earnestness that commanded his
respect, and something in her appeal which softened him
wonderfully. " All I can do consistently with my oath to
make your sentence light shall be done," said he. " What
can I say more ?"

" Nothing. I am content. ShaU I go now ?"

" Now, if you please."

Mary whispered a few words to Hugh, who, in accord-
ance with her instructions, went to the closet where she
kept her money, and drawing forth the purse deposited it in
his pocket. She then put on such extra clothing as the cold
weather demanded, and, drawing her hood closely down
over her face, declared her readiness to accompany the con-
stable. Hugh had, in the meantime, prepared himself to
go with them, and aU issued fi-om the door together. The
morning was biting cold, but the air was still and peaceful,
and the smoke went up from all the chimneys of the settlement
like incense. 