isa-normaladvance-1903-00126

Description:	126THE NORMAL ADVANCE.merrily. What a joke! Here he had captured areal witch, peaked bonnet, broom, and all. Whata story to tell the boys when he had returned! Hecaught the shadow of pained surprise on his visitors faded and wrinkled face and straightened up.You are very rude, sir.Pardon my laughter, Madam, but it struck meas being funny out of the ordinary, you know.Why, I thought the witches had been driven outof Salem long ago.0 dear no, replied the old woman. Thereare a great many there yet, but we do not havemuch to do any more. Since people have grownso wise and have so many new ways of doing thingswe have been rather idle. Now and then we perform some slight service for the young people inbringing back truant lovers and carrying secretmessages that cannot be. written or telegraphed.That is what I am going to New York for tonightand I must be on my way.Pray do not be in haste, Jack entreated. Iwill return to the City as soon as I spend a fewminutes in Boston and would be glad to have yougo with me. I fear a storm is coming on and youwould have an unpleasant journey on your broom.Besides, I wish to talk with you.The old woman settled back in her chair againand let her broom fall to the floor. She was evidently more disposed to travel in the cozy cabin ofthe air-ship with Jack for a companion than totake her way alone on her broom.Would you object to telling me about your errand tonight? ventured her host. I live in NewYork and am acquainted in Boston. Perhaps Iknow the persons in whom you are interested andmay be able to help you.Oh, no, but I must not mention any names, forthat would not be fair. There is a young lady living in Boston whose sweet-heart lives in NewYork. Last night she sent him away forever asshe thought, but today she sent for me to go overtonight and bewitch him into coming over to Boston to see her tomorrow. That is all.Bewitch him! Pray tell me how you will doit. You see, I am interested in that sort of thingand, I assure you, your secret will be safe.1 dont fear that at all, young man. Do yousee this liquid? holding up the bottle, which shestill clutched tightly. It is the Witchs Cordial,and a few drops of it will make anyone do whatever the witches wish. Now, when I have foundthe man I seek, I will pour a few drops of it inhis wine and when he has tasted it in the morning, he will come to Boston and go straight to thegirl who sent for him.But how do you hope to find him among somany men unless you already know him ? mildlyventured Jack.Oh, easily enough. I have a locket which thelady gave me with his name and portrait in it.When I arrive at the city, I will charm the locketand it will take me directly to him.May I see the locket?You will not open it?No, on my word of honor.The old woman drew from the folds of her kerchief a gold locket set with a diamond, and held ittoward Jack, who glanced curiously at it, sprangsuddenly to his feet, and regarded his visitor inamazement.Open it, he cried excitedly.The old woman silently pressed a spring. Thelid flew open and she looked closely at the facewithin.Well, well, well, now isnt this strange? Yourpicture and your name. How nice! A long rideto New York and back saved but what is thematter, young man ? Here, you must drink someof this, and she hastily drew the stopper fromher bottle.Jack was pacing excitedly up and down thecabin, but at these words he stopped abruptly before the old woman and grasped her bony hands.No, no, he almost shouted. No need of that.I will go gladly. Yes, gladly.Well, I am glad to save it for it is hard to getthe herbs to make it nowadays. But why did yourun off to New York in such a hurry last night ?Because I was a fool, replied Jack bitterly.My good woman, you have done me an inestimable service. How can I ever reward you ?
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/isuarchive/id/33899
Collection:	Indiana State University Archives

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