The Heretic's Daughter

As the winter of 1692 passes, the family hears rumors of witchcraft in Salem. Several girls have been afflicted and claim to be tortured by demons. One morning, Sarah wakes early to see her mother writing in a big red book. When she asks about its contents, her mother shuts the book but promises to help Sarah with her writing lessons later in the day.

At the meetinghouse the next Sunday, Sarah listens to a fire-and-brimstone sermon by the new minister, Reverend Barnard. After the service, the Carriers hear news about Salem from their neighbor Robert. He mentions the petty jealousies and grudges that have grown in the surrounding communities and are now boiling to the surface via accusations of witchcraft. He warns that Martha is already rumored to be a witch. When Martha scoffs at the accusations, Robert warns, “These days are very harsh, Martha. There are still smallpox and Indian raids not two days’ ride from here. People are very much afraid, and fear makes fools of us all” (159).

The gloomy winter passes without incident. One night at the end of March, when Martha and her sons go to lance a boil on their horse’s leg, they discover Cousin Allen trying to set a fire in the barn.