_Phoebe._ Oh, what's that noise? What is coming?

_Enter_ Giles Corey, _panting. He flings the door to violently and
slips the bolt._

_Nancy._ Massy! what's after ye?

_Phoebe._ Oh, Uncle Corey, what's the matter?

_Giles._ The matter is there be too many evil things abroad
nowadays for a man to be out after nightfall. When things that can
be hit by musket balls lay in wait, old Giles Corey is as brave as
any man; but when it comes to devilish black beasts and black men
that musket balls bound back from--What! you here, Ann Hutchins?
What be you out after dark for?

_Ann._ I came over to see Olive, Goodman Corey.

_Giles._ You'd best stayed by your own hearth if you've got one.
Young women have no call to be out gadding after dark in these
times.

_Phoebe._ Oh, Uncle Corey, something did frighten Ann as she came
through the wood. A black beast, with horns and a tail and eyes like
balls of fire, jumped out of the bushes at her, and bade her sign
the book in a dreadful voice.

_Giles._ What! Was't so, Ann?

_Ann._ I know not. There was something.