It was still early in the day, but the sun already hung high in the sky making it a tad bit uncomfortable in the overcrowded meetinghouse. Just outside the main entrance the sounds of horses and pedestrians could be heard and the dust raised from all this commotion made it hard to breathe as the occasional cough indicated. Once considered a rarity, these large public gatherings were quite common now that the hearings have begun.

Inside the meetinghouse the benches were already lined up in their usual rows, and since many were filled to capacity more were being brought in from various locations. In some areas there was only enough room to stand. It seemed as if everyone wanted to see this trial. Over the mumbles of the growing crowd swarms of flies accumulated on the windows buzzing about. The constant spatter of their wings echoed in the air in a constant high-pitched hum. Occasionally a fly would fall to the ground and spin in a circle beating its wings in a frantic and irritating tone that indicated the moment before its death.

Suddenly silence fell over the room, a silence so thick that you could cut it with a knife. Some cautiously looked back to the entrance but did so very carefully as not to be noticed. Now was not the time to act too boldly, and to behave in anyway out of order could bring trouble. In the doorway stood a girl. She had paused in the entranceway for a brief moment and slowly began to gaze at those in attendance as if she was reading their minds. The girl appeared to be your typical child, but the people of Salem knew otherwise.

She was clad in the standard woman's outfit of the time, an ankle length dress drawn together at the waist. The dress was a pleasant light blue color, with a white collar and cuffs on the sleeves. Her face was pleasant, yet still contained a stern look of concern. Her hair was light brown and was parted in the middle and both ends pulled back and gently tucked inside her white bonnet. The overall appearance of this 12-year-old hinted at innocence and the beauty of youth, yet those who knew this girl and the trials knew very well that she was not your prim and proper farm girl.

She was Ann, daughter of Thomas and Ann Putnam. Ann was the leader of the "afflicted girls". If there was a devil in Massachusetts Ann could find it and all who served the beast. It had happened before. Many had faced the wrath of this girl and many had kissed the hangman's rope or soon would. It was as if Salem and the surrounding area was being judged for their wicked deeds by a higher power, and Ann was that power's main witness. Ann ruled and looked upon this world with the eyes of her God and acted as he would and commanded no mercy for the damned.

Ann slowly walked forward, her thin slender legs could been seen moving beneath her dress as her brass buckled shoes slowly paced ahead. Behind Ann formed a procession of the other girls. The rest of the group followed Ann into the meetinghouse yet still managed to keep some distance from their distinguished leader.

The first to follow at the head of the group was a much older and taller girl. 19-year-old Mercy Lewis, a servant of the Putnam family looked almost dignified in her black dress with her jet-black hair neatly pinned back in her hat. Next were two younger girls. 11-year-old Abigail Williams boldly strut down the asle in her light gray dress. Her blond hair was pulled back like the others, but her short bangs gently hung over her brow and appeared to flutter in the breeze as Abigail's dress swayed side to side with each step. To Abigail's right was her cousin 9-year-old Betty Parris, daughter of the Reverend Samuel Parris. Betty's face hung low and was covered by her hands so that all that was visible was her dark purple dress. Her frail figure could be seen trembling with every step. Abigail was trying to console and comfort her cousin as they made their way to their seats. Behind Abigail and Betty the other girls followed suit each decked out in similar attire comprised of a variety of beautiful, yet modest colors.

When they reached the front of the room the girls took their seats. Ann sat in the corner of the first row near the isle. Abigail sat in the next row back on Ann's left, Mercy Lewis her right, with little Betty in between them. For now the girls sat in their places and quietly talked among themselves. Occasionally one of them would point a finger and whisper softly to the others. Were the accusations spreading? Could there be more witches in Salem?

Ann quietly sat in her seat. Her gaze was on the floor as she gently kicked her feet back and forth, sunlight glinting off the shinny brass buckles on her shoes. She let out sort of a sigh and then began to hum to herself as she continued to kick her feet and tap the floor with her shoes. The majority of those in attendance carefully watched the actions of this little girl, for they all knew that her simple childish behavior was only a prelude of things to come.

Despite her young age Ann Putnam Jr. was very bright and had already witnessed first hand the cruelty of life. Her aunt, many cousins, and older brothers and sisters were already dead. As the oldest surviving child of the Putnam's Ann had a very close relationship with her mother. In a way they were best friends, and very close. Together the two Anns would frequent the local cemetery to visit and pray at the gravesites of their departed family members and ponder over the reasons for their fate. Ann Jr. also spent a great deal of time reading with her mother. "Day of Doom" that Puritan best seller was consulted, along with Ann Jr.'s favorite bedtime story, the Book of Revelation which she had already begun to interpret.

In addition to her mother Ann Jr. had a few other companions. Mercy Lewis, the Putnam's servant girl, was with Ann quite often and so were some of the other "afflicted girls". Together these girls would wonder about town or frequent various homes; most commonly of course was the home of the Reverend Parris. It was Ann Jr.'s mother in fact who almost persuaded her daughter to join this group along with Mercy Lewis. Join Ann did, but soon time would show that the young Ann would become dominant and rule. This roaming band of adolescents was ironic in a way. Normally little girls their age were to be seen and not heard, kept at home to do chores and learn housework. These girls however, were given free reign and their parents or masters would do little if anything to stop or curb such unnatural behavior. In fact in some cases it seemed that some adults in Salem Village encouraged such behavior.

Yet of all her associates outside her family there was one that Ann greatly cherished. There was one person in Salem Village whom Ann held in high regards, David Robertson, her family's other servant. Despite David's status and occupations, Ann admired him. Even though he was quite older David always treated Ann as an equal. At times he even went beyond the typical servant master relationship and treated Ann as a friend and family. In a way David was an older brother to Ann at times, who took the place of the one she never knew. It was clear to some people at least that even though David Robertson worked for the Putnam family he really stuck around to serve Ann, one of the few people in Salem Village who could keep him in line.

A side door opened and the magistrates walked in. Everyone rose, eyes fixed to the front, their hands hung at their sides or gently folded at the waist. Ann noticed a familiar face among the magistrates, Hathorne. Hathorne was like Ann. He was determined to find the witches, and when he did they would get what they deserved. Ann smiled. Hathorne gazed out among the crowd before him and spoke, "Be seated."

Those in the audience resumed their seats and patiently awaited the magistrate's next words. Hathorne bellowed, "bring in the accused." All eyes turned and watched the door.

Slowly through the door entered five men. Four of them were local militia and carried either muskets or halberds; huge axes mounted on six to eight foot staffs. The militiamen formed a square around the fifth man and proceeded towards the front. Standing in the middle of the square was the fifth man, a prisoner, the Letch. He stood about five feet nine inches tall and wore all black, however his outfit was not that of the normal gentlemen. His face was attractive and repulsive at the same time. Black hair was cut short and kept very neat, combed straight back, and no beard or trace of one could be seen. Iron shackles were clamped around the Letch's ankles and wrists. His hands were before him and in his left hand was clutched two red roses. The Letch looked around the room as he slowly made his way forward. A smirk adorned his face as the crowd booed, hissed and taunted him.

The Letch slowed his pace as he neared the front of the room and stopped by were the girls were sitting. He turned and smiled. "Hi Abigail, did you miss me?" Abigail Williams turned her head, shut her eyes in repulsion, and began to tremble. The Letch then turned his gaze to Mercy Lewis and sighed, "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, its been a long time, too long perhaps. Mercy turned her head and cast a quick scornful glance at the Letch and replied, "Devil!" The Letch just laughed and continued to walk forward until he saw a young girl sitting alone in the front row.

The Letch ran to the girl's side and kneeled beside her placing his shackled hands in her lap. "Hello Ann," the Letch said, "it has been so long since I've seen you. I've missed you. Have you missed me Ann? It's so dark, cold and lonely in that prison Ann. I really have missed you Ann. Your bright fair young face is the only joy in my life. Ann is there nothing you want to say to me?" Ann Putnam Jr. just sat there completely oblivious to the Letch's presence. She just sat there silently watching her feet kick back and forth, sunlight glinting off the brass buckles on her shoes. After some time Ann softly spoke, "burn in hell."

"If that's how you feel," replied the Letch, "how about you come back to the prison with me after the trial, I'll let you chain me to the wall." The Letch now moved in front of Ann and dropped one of the red roses in her lap. "I picked it for you Ann. Do you like it?" Ann continued to kick her feet back and forth and sent one of her feet flying towards the Letch's chest. The Letch fell to the floor, startled by the blow and grabbed Ann's right foot and held it to his face. "Oh my sweet and dearest little Ann, my darling, my love! Here I lay before these mad men, who desire nothing but my blood to ease their rage. Have you nothing to say on my behalf? Have you nothing to say at all?" Ann wiggled her foot free and softly spoke, "burn in hell". The guards now picked the Letch up off the floor and moved him to the front of the room, near the magistrates.

The sound of the gavel echoed in the room. Hathorne spoke, "this trial of the People of Salem Village and Town, verses the Letch of Salem is now open. Letch of Salem you have on pervious occasions continued to plead innocent to the charges against you, those being several counts of letchery. Again we ask you, how do you plead?" The Letch just stood there before everyone, hundreds of eyes upon him. As the Letch gazed about the room he was sickened by what he saw before him, Puritans. Oh how he hated Puritans. Those black Bible barons who would preach the word of God to you in a vain attempt to convert you to their ways. The Puritan God was not kind and forgiving, far from it. This is Calvinism, you don't love God, you fear him because God can squash you like a bug at any moment, predestination they called it. With one hand the Puritans would use the word of God to save your soul, while the other would use the same words to end your life. He would not give these Puritans the pleasure of hearing his confession and admitting that their mentality is correct and infallible. That is why the Letch looked these Puritans in the eyes and boldly spoke, "as I have said before on many occasions I will openly admit to my actions. I see no shame in what I do. You claim that I practice letchery, I do and openly declare that fact to all with great pride. However, I see and there is no wrong in letchery and what I do so to your question I plead not guilty, since what I do is no crime."

The crowd was shocked by the Letch's blatant heresy. Many grumbled and soon this rose to a loud roar, which was finally subdued by Hathorne. Hathorne continued, "very well Letch if that is how you feel. However, there is plenty of evidence against you. Now we shall here from those who speak out against you and see if you are truly guilty." Again silence came upon the room. Hathorne was about to call forth witnesses to testify against the Letch. This was the moment that every one dreaded, with good reason. It was not the testimonies that frightened the people of Salem, but the people who gave them, the girls. Not just any girls mind you, but the "afflicted girls", young girls and maids who knew witches, saw specters, familiars, demons, ghouls, and even the Devil! In a sense these girls ruled the town, and no one dared cross them. If your specter was seen by one of these girls you were a witch and you either confessed or died, it was that simple.

Softly the magistrates talked among themselves for a while. Then slowly they all faced the front rows of benches. Hathorne's eyes fixed themselves upon a young girl in a light blue dress sitting alone in the front row. After a brief moment of silence the magistrate spoke, "Ann Putnam Jr. you accuse this man of letchery, what say you?" Ann Putnam Jr. what say you? Those were the words that everyone in Salem dreaded. Sure to be put on trial was bad enough, but to have that girl, Ann Putnam Jr., testify against you was certain doom. Your only hope in that situation was a flat out confession. The Letch refused to confess to his crimes, and now he would face the wrath of Ann.

Ann gently rose from her seat in the front row. As she did so a single red rose fell from her lap and landed on the floor in front of her. Noticing the delicate petals of the flower Ann raised her right foot and stepped on it, grinding the red rose to pieces. Lifting up her foot Ann quickly glanced at the mangled vine, "hideous weed", she softly whispered as she walked toward the Letch, the magistrates, and the people of Salem. With out a doubt Ann Putnam Jr. was the star of the whole Salem Witch Trial drama. Although she appeared calm and reserved most of the time, when called upon she could deliver quite a testimony. Her face seemed to glow as she strut about the courtroom telling tales of witches, devils, and undead beasts. Standing before the people of Salem, before everyone's eyes, Ann Jr. seemed larger than life and very powerful, in a way it seemed as if she belonged there.

Now slowly the young girl paced in front of the people gathered before her. Her head hung low for a moment, eyes fixed on the floor, almost as if she was gathering her thoughts. Then her sweet face lit up as an almost devilish grin appeared on her face, and her small delicate hands moved about as she spoke, almost in a manner to act out her testimony. In her well-rehearsed and eloquent manner Ann Putnam Jr. began to speak, "you have all heard this man's statements, how he openly admits to the sins he has committed and various assaults against me and many others." One of the younger and less experienced magistrates spoke up, "yes child we all know what this man has said, now please stop this nonsense rambling and tell us what he has done to you. Why do you accuse this man?"

The cold, cruel look in Ann's eyes was enough to silence the magistrate. Then in a spiteful tone Ann Jr. continued, "very well magistrate you want to know what this monster had done? Very well indeed. I will tell you all what this demon has done to me and many others, and mark you well my words!" Again the young girl was silent for a moment as she carefully planned her next oration. "It began several months ago, when this monster first arrived in Salem. Soon after his arrival he made his attentions clear to me and many other of the girls and maids in Salem, that he wanted to know us. Of course we refused, all of us to his wicked demands, yet still he persisted us to join him in his evil dance of letchery. After some time he again approached us, only this time he offered gifts, money in gold and silver, pretty stones and precious jewels, fancy immodest clothing made of silks and satins in all arrays of bright and gaudy colors. He said that he would teach us games and how to dance for him. All of this he promised us if we would only submit to his desires. However, we still all refused, and his rage and desire for us only grew stronger."

Ann was silent again for a moment; her face appeared worn and tired. It was clear that something was not right, as if the passion and emotion she put in to her narration was taking its toll on her. After taking a few deep breaths Ann continued her story. "It was a little more than three months ago when this monster made the true nature of his intentions known to me. One night while I was tending to the animals in my father's barn the Letch attacked me. He tried to force himself upon me, but I resisted. The more I fought him, the more he beat me. He violently assaulted me and inflicted much injury. My arms were broken, and I also received many cuts and bruises. For several days I could not walk and was very weak. Our servant girl, Mercy Lewis, came to my aid, but she too was captured by this monster and attacked. If it was not for my father and our other servant, Mr. Robertson, who managed to chase off my attacker, who knows what evil things might have befallen me."

Now the young girl grew silent and returned to her seat in the front row of benches. Her frail figure seemed to sink in to the corner of the bench as her eyes closed.

Mercy Lewis leaned forward and tapped Ann on the shoulder, "Ann, Ann are you okay?" Ann slowly opened her eyes and nodded, "I'm okay, exhausted but okay." Mercy smiled and returned to her seat. Seeing that the young Ann Jr. was well again the magistrates continued with the examination. More witnesses, other "afflicted girls" were called to testify against the Letch. Mercy Lewis told a story very similar to Ann Jr.'s and confirmed every detail. Then other girls from Salem like Abigail Williams and even little Betty Paris told similar accounts on how the Letch confronted and bribed them.

When the girls were finished testifying against the Letch the magistrates began to question him; "you have now heard all the testimony against you Letch. Do you still hold to your innocence?" The Letch smiled, "magistrates I have said already many times that I openly admit to my actions. The children are right I have done all these things, and much more. However, what I do is no crime, and therefore I am innocent of any wrongdoing. Even though all these children told horrible stories of my deeds, deep down inside they all enjoyed it. Isn't that right Ann?"

The Letch now faced his most ferocious accuser and looked her right in the eyes.

The frail body of Ann Putnam Jr. fell to the floor landing on her knees as her hand flew up and covered her face. Echoing off the meetinghouse walls was a sound too often heard in Salem, the sounds of a young girl screaming. Ann Jr. rocked back and forth on her knees slamming her head against the floor, all the while covering her eyes with her hands as her fingers dug and tore at her face. Ann's agonizing cries filled the air as her family and friends raced to her side. Hathorne leapt from his seat, "what manner of sorcery is this?" Ann continued to rock back and forth slamming her head against the floor yelling, "my eyes, my eyes they burn, burn when he looks upon me".

The Letch now nervously stood up as Thomas Putnam held his daughter in his arms trying to stop her form rocking back and forth. Seeing the anguish in her child's eyes Mrs. Putnam hollered out at the Letch, "why? Why demon do you do this? Why must my child suffer?" Now the room was quiet with the exception of Ann Jr.'s relentless screaming as all eyes faced the Letch, awaiting his response. Returning to his seat the Letch pondered his response for a moment. "I have done nothing to harm these children. They bring their pain upon themselves." Watching the spectacle before him magistrate Hathorne turned his attention to the letch, "you say that these children bring their suffering upon themselves. Do you not believe that they are possessed and cursed by witches?"

"No I do not", uttered the Letch. Hathorne grew angry, "then you do not believe that there are witches in this world?" Clearing his throat the Letch replied, "oh yes I do believe that witches exist, and I know that there are witches in Salem for I have seen them." An uproar raced through the crowd, there were more witches about and this Letch had associated with them. He must be evil; he must identify these witches.

After conferring with the other magistrates Hathorne continued, "and these witches you claim to know of, can you identify them? How many are there? Are you in allegiance with them and aid in their sorcery?" Laughing the Letch replied, "magistrate Hathorne you amaze me. Why of course I can identify the witches for you. Of all people I thought that you would know who they were already. However, I do this at my own risk since these witches work only to destroy me and all those who stand against them. Like you I want to see these witches suffer and get what they deserve. There is 12 of them, and they are all in this room right now." The crowd was shocked, and many shrieked in terror. How could this happen; 12 witches still at large and all of them in league with each other and in this very room? Soon silence returned to the room and Hathorne continued his questioning, "who are these witches? Where are they now? Show them to us." The Letch jumped to his feet and pointing with the red rose clutched in his right hand hollered out, "it's the children!"

At that moment all 12 of the "afflicted" girls threw their hands to their ears and began to scream endlessly. All the girls who had testified against the Letch fell to the floor and began to moan in pain, while the few who had not stood up and silently stared at the magistrates. The Letch silently returned to his seat, as did the young girls who were standing. Hathorne turned to the Letch, "you honestly believe that these children are witches?"

"Yes I do", replied the Letch. "Yes I do", echoed the girls sitting in their seats. This caused many of the people in the crowd to tremble, because they knew what was going on. The Letch had accused the girls of being witches and now he would learn first hand the results and consequences of such an accusation. Now the Letch found himself in the middle of a dangerous game. The Letch had raised the stakes himself by shifting the focus of the trial away from his letchery to the children's antics. However, the children had called his bluff and increased the stakes even further. Tragically the Letch was unaware of what was going on.

Hathorne and the other magistrates had taken notice of the girls' response and it worried them. One of the other magistrates now began to question the Letch, "why do you believe that these children are witches?" The Letch pointed at the few possessed girls writhing on the floor; "they're making this up!"

"They're making this up", replied the echoes as they to pointed at the possessed girls on the floor. Slowly the Letch began to notice what was going on. By accusing the girls of witchcraft he unknowingly brought their full wrath upon him. Before they only accused him of letchery, but now before all of Salem he would be labeled a witch. Very few could fight off the attacks from these mischievous children, for every one of these little girls was highly skilled at what they did.

The Letch now nervously folded his arms and placed his hands on his lap, while the echoing girls did the same. When the Letch crossed his legs the girls did the same. Turning to face Hathorne the Letch pleaded, "I am not a witch".

"I am not a witch," repeated the girls as they too turned to face Hathorne. It was now clear to the Letch that there was no way to defend himself against these girls. He bowed his head, and knew very well that the girls did so to. Closing his eyes the Letch sniffed his red rose, letting the vile sent fill the air. Painful screams and moans filled the air as the possessed girls threw even more violent fits. The Letch franticly lifted his head to see what was going on, but all he saw was the echoing girls mimicking his every move and the possessed girls writhing on the floor. Panic filled the room as almost every one in the crowd began to chant, "witch, witch, witch." A few voices even cried out, "hang him, hang him, hang him"

Thwack, thwack, thwack. The sound of Hathorne's gavel silenced the room. Facing the letch Hathorne inquired, "why do you posses these girls?" The Letch knew that he was running out of options, so he did the only thing he knew what to do. Grinning he replied, "why did they accuse me?"

"Have these children ever possessed or inflict pain on you?" inquired another magistrate. "No they have not", answered the Letch." Hathorne added, "then you have no evidence that they are witches." By now the Letch was growing frustrated, because his every reply, every movement was copied by these relentless little girls. Finally Hathorne asked that every looming question, "are you a witch?" The Letch squeezed the rose in his right hand, the thorns tearing at his hand causing blood to drip on the floor as he hollered out, "no I am not a witch!" Clenching their right hands in to tight fist the echoing girls hollered, "no I am not a witch!"

Bowing his head the Letch opened his right hand to look at the injury caused by the rose thorns, knowing very well that his mimics did the same. New screams now filled the air as 18-year-old Mary Warren, a servant in the Proctor house screamed in terror. Hathorne and the magistrates were alarmed. "What is it Mary Warren? What afflicts you?" Mary Warren just stood there in shock staring at her right hand. Startled she began to speak, "bl, bl, blood, blood, my hand it bleeds!" She held her hand up high for every one to see as she ran to the magistrates to have them inspect the hand. Sure enough the blood was real, and all of the other echoing girls also had blood on their right hands. Now Hathorne was enraged. He boldly stood before the Letch placing his hands on his hips, "how do you hurt these children Letch? What spirits do you employ to do your bidding?"

The Letch cried out, "I do not hurt them and I use no spirits." Mary Warren and the other echoes stood crying before the magistrates, "I do not hurt them and I use no spirits". Mercy Lewis now rolled about on the floor, her left hand at her throat while her right hand reached for the sky. She gasped for breath and made choking sounds as if she was trying to speak. A magistrate knelt by her side, "what is it child? I command you to speak." Mercy strained to utter the words, "th, th, th we, wee, weed, the weed". With out warning Hathorn's hand raced towards the Letch, knocking the hideous red rose from his hand and sending it to the ground. At once all the guards surrounded the flower and began to stomp on the small red petals while others hacked at the steam with their halberds. Soon the red rose was destroyed and all 12 girls fell to the floor and began to cry as they huddled together.

Mourning the loss of his rose the Letch just sat in his seat crying, "you stupid Puritans. It was only a little flower that never harmed anyone. You killed it; you killed my little flower. You stupid Puritans. You always listen to your darling children, who obviously fake their own possessions. Witches aren't real. Your children play this as a game; it is sport to them. These girls are evil, wicked, and cruel, using these tricks to destroy all those who oppose them. It is they not I who should stand trial and face judgement. Punish your lying children, not me." To the surprise of everyone not one child repeated the Letch's statement. All the girls still remained in their small huddled mass crying together. The spell was broken, the red rose of the Letch was destroyed and with it his power over the children. It was the lusty red rose that tormented them.

Hathorne sat there stunned and shook his head, "you fail to see one main issue letcher, YOU are the one on trial here, NOT the children! This trial is not about false accusations against our children, but the soul purpose and interest of this court is to show your quilt and then to punish you. Now we have heard from your accusers and many have spoken against you. Do you have anything to say in your defense before this court passes judgement?" For a moment there was silence as the Letch pondered on the situation before him. Time was running out, options were fleeting. If he did not act now the Letch knew what would become of him. Carefully the Letch thought about his next move. There had to be something, one course of action that would catch these Puritans off guard. He only had to prove that he did not commit letchery, or even better that letchery was not a crime but how? The only thing these filthy Puritans listened to was their stupid children and their precious scriptures. Scriptures, yes the Bible why surely there must be some passage in the Bible that supports sexuality and letchery! After all the entire old testament is full of tales of lustful affairs, rapes, and other assaults on women.

Again Hathorn's tired voice was heard, "do you or do you not have anything to say in your defense?" Rising from his seat the Letch chuckled, "magistrate Hathorne as I have said before letchery is not a crime therefore I can not be punished. Even if letchery was a crime these little girls who accuse me only said that I approached them and tried to have my way with them. All of them clearly said that I did not have my way with them, that I in fact did not know them, but only that I tried. Since I only attempted your crime and did not commit it then I can not be punished for it." Strange as this line of reasoning was the magistrates were intrigued by the Letch's defense. "And may I ask just what sort of evidence you have to support your claim that letchery is not a crime", inquired

Hathorne?

Now the Letch tried very hard to find some bit of logic or evidence that could sway the minds of these Puritans. Again his mind returned to the idea of the scriptures. He was no expert on such matters, in fact he had avoided the Bible all together and throughout all his life the Letch had read very little it, yet still somewhere in this book must have been mention the support of letchery. Silence filled the room for a moment as the Letch thought over ever verse or story he knew from the Bible. Then almost he miraculously remembered one tale or person from the Bible who could save him. Grinning the Letch hollered out, "what about king David?" The magistrates were confused, "what about king David?"

"He was a letcher", smirked the Letch, "he had two wives who were originally married to other men. They were both stolen from their previous husbands whom David had killed. His second wife Bathsheba, I do believe her name was, had an affair with David before they were married. Their little lust child Solomon would become one of the greatest rulers in the ancient world, and he to was a letcher who had about 50 or more wives. Do you know what your God called David the letcher king? God called him his chosen one. David was a letcher like me, and your God loved him and forgave him for his 'evil' deeds. If your God can do that for David then why can't you do that for me? Of course let us also not forget about the book the Song of Solomon, I mean come on that book is so much about letchery and the joys of being with your lover and it is in the Bible, so really is letchery all that bad?"

The grim, shocked faces of the magistrates was enough reason for the Letch to celebrate. His plan had worked. By presenting the simple fact that God did love and forgive not one, but two letchers was reason enough for the puritans to pardon him. Laughing out loud the Letch hollered, "well is there nothing you can say in contrary to what I have told you? Can anyone dispute my claim that God in fact loves letchers?" The magistrates and Reverend Samuel Parris quickly flipped through the pages of their Bibles to review the stories the Letch had mentioned, and to see if they could locate any evidence to use against him. They were so busy and focused on their task at hand that they failed to notice a young man seated near the back of the room rise from his seat and move into the center isle. However, the rest of the audience noticed the young man and as the eyes of the "afflicted" children lit up with joy the entire room grew deathly silent.

Hawthorne noticed the eerie silence around him and looked up from the large Bible set in front of him. Standing in the center isle near the back of the meetinghouse was a young man dressed in his Sunday's best. The light gray doublet, knee length pants, black stockings, and polished brass buckle shoes seemed to almost clash with the sinister face of the young man. Recognizing the young man Hathorne closed his eyes and shook his head. The young man smiled in return, "I can." Hathorne opened his eyes and looked at the young man, "you can what?" Grinning the young man replied, "I can provide evidence against this letcher. Evidence that can clearly prove his guilt and prove that not only does God hate letchers, but that God in fact demands that they pay for their sins in blood." As the young man walked down the isle the crowd appeared to tremble in their seats, but the "afflicted" girls grew more excited as the young man walked ever closer to them.

The magistrates softly talked among themselves debating weather or not to let the young man before them speak. True everyone had the right to testify against the accused, but to let this man speak could bring trouble. As their discussion continued it was the words of the Reverend Samuel Parris that broke the near silence, "I would be very interested in hearing what the young man has to say. After all he is well versed and educated in the ways of scripture. I would very much like to hear his interpretations on the passages the letcher has chosen, and what he prepares to counter them with." From the middle of the crowd the voice of Thomas Putnam cried out, "as would I". Finally the magistrates had reached their decision; they would let the young man speak. Hathorne leaned forward in his seat and propped up his chin with his folded hands as he spoke, "very well David Robertson, what would you like to tell us?"

David Robertson boldly stood before the magistrates and soon found that once again all the eyes of Salem were upon him. "This letcher before us asked if anyone can provide evidence that can dispute his claim that God loves letchers. I can provide such evidence using only the same evidence that this letcher used to make his claim, the word of God." David now held his black leather covered Bible above his head. "What the Letch said about King David and Solomon is true, both men were letchers and God did love them. However, the Letch forgot to mention one small but important detail. God made a pact and covenant with both rulers and declared his love for them BEFORE they became letchers! Those two men were good and proper God fearing Kings of Israel when God made it known to the world that he would spare them. It was only after this fact that David and Solomon became letchers and turned from the Commandments of God. As we all know John Calvin taught us of the doctrine of predestination, how from the moment of our birth God had decided if we are to be saved or not. Once the mind of God is made up, no one and no action can change the outcome. If God has determined that you are to be saved he will do so and forgive all your shortcomings, but if you are not worthy in the eyes of God the creator there is nothing that can save your soul!"

David now moved closer to the Letch as he continued to speak, "now this letcher HAS ADMITTED that he tried to have his way with these poor innocent children, tried to defile them, to know them, these children, your children many of whom are still very young. The Letch has admitted to this and the word of God makes it very clear that thought and intent is just as condemning as deed. I quote the Gospel of Matthew chapter five verses 27 and 28." David did not need to open his Bible to read the verse, for he already knew it by heart, the rest of the congregation however opened theirs so that they could follow along with him. Once the fluttering of pages had ceased David continued, "you have heard it said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say unto you that who so ever looketh upon a woman to lust after her hath already committed adultery with her in his heart." David now stood before the letch and leaning forward growled in his face, "Matthew chapter five, verses 29 and 30; if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell."

An uproar followed and the magistrates tried to regain control of the courtroom. Hathorne turned to the Letch, "what say you to this letcher?" The Letch hollered out, "it is a lie! I will not believe it." Hathorne bellowed back, "it is not a lie for it is the word of God!"

"I care not what it is", replied the Letch. "I am no Puritan. I am not subject to your laws, or stupid sense of justice. I am responsible to no one but myself. You use your precious scriptures and words of God to eliminate all those who refuse to see the world the way you do. To hell with you Puritans, to hell with your God!" The Reverend Samuel Parris lunged towards the Letch as Hathorne jumped up from his seat and hollered out, "enough! This court has heard enough out of you letcher, and that goes for the rest of those in attendance as well. We will think upon what has been said here and soon shall pass judgement".

It did not take long for the magistrates to reach their decision. Hathorne took hold of his gavel and slammed it against the table calling the court to order. Rising from his seat the Magistrate Hathorne announced the verdict, "Letch of Salem, we the appointed officials of the Town and Village of Salem Massachusetts to find you guilty of the charge of letchery. Normally such a crime is only a small offence punishable by a moderate sentence of a fine, prison sentence, or time in the stocks. However, do to the number and nature of accusations against you, the very nature in which you carried out your vicious crime we feel that a more serious punishment must be pronounced."

Hathorne paused for a moment and looked about the audience before him. Many of the members of the community looked back at them, their eyes revealing the anxiety caused by waiting so long for a sentence to be announced. As he continued to look around the room Hathorne noticed the behavior of the afflicted girls seated in the front rows of benches. As usual Ann Putnam Jr. was alone in the front row, and she seemed completely oblivious to what was going on around her. She just sat there quietly humming to herself, watching the sunlight glint off the brass buckles on her shoes as she kicked her feet back and forth. The other 11 girls were much more attentive as they gracefully swayed side to side in unison all the while making a slight squeaking, or creaking sound. The only girl besides Ann Jr. who was not partaking in this behavior was Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams sat in her seat glaring at the Letch. Her head was cocked to the left side, with the ear almost touching the shoulder. Abigail's mouth was open, with her tongue hanging from the left corner of her mouth as she began to make choking sounds. Her body began to tremble slightly, and then grew worse until she was engaged in a massive fit of shaking. Abigail fell form her seat and landed on the floor. Her body gave out a few more twitches, and with one last gasp she lay there silent and motionless.

Hathorne cleared his throat and proclaimed the sentence, "Letch of Salem, for your crimes of letchery you are to be flogged fifty lashes then placed in the stocks for two weeks. Upon the time of your release you shall be banished from all of Essex county, and should you ever return to this area, or any other point of the county you shall be arrested at once and then delivered unto the court for another hearing and your possible execution. This court has tried to be fair and just in its dealings with you, and in devising this ruling. I now declare this case closed."

Hathorne hit the table before him with his gavel and almost as if by cue the "afflicted girls" all fell to the floor holding their hands over their eyes, moaning in pain while others cried out, "blind, blind, blind." Ann Putnam Jr. was the only one who behaved differently. She fell on her knees before the magistrates and clasping her hands before her as if in prayer she cried out to the rafters, "oh, Justice we know you are blind, but I beg of you to turn unto us your most divine mercy. Truly you are not deaf as well and can hear our cries; the cries of the innocents who have been denied you by this incompetent court of man. Come to us now oh Justice so that we might find peace in knowing that this wretched demon who assaulted us shall no longer curse this earthly paradise with his shadow."

Hathorne was furious and leapt from his seat, slamming his fist upon the table, "enough of this! I have made my decision and that is final. I have considered all of the evidence and your testimonies and feel that the punishment is more than fair." Ann Jr. leapt to her feet and standing before Hathorne slammed her fist on the table in front of the magistrates, "fair? Fair for whom Hathorne, the victims or this letcher? Just? How dare you speak of justice! We found a devil here in Salem and brought him before you bound and chained for judgement and you send him back in to the world where he will strike again. Oh yes magistrate there will be others, mark my words there will be others, but this letcher will not pay for his future sins for the blood of his victims is on your hands now, and your soul." She then turned her back on the magistrates and stormed down the isle towards the entrance. Opening the door to leave Ann Putnam Jr. turned and looked back upon the crowded meeting house and yelling, "the Devil has conquered Salem!" She slammed the door as hard as she could and headed off for home, alone.