Abigail was nowhere to be seen. I faced my father in the parlour. Our faces were serious.

‘The court is now resumed. One of the first cases is Rebecca Nurse.’

‘I can only hope that she is found innocent.’

‘I and other ministers have urged “exceeding tenderness” to a person “of an unblemished reputation”.’

‘There’s someone at the door.’

I arose and opened the door to Captain Walcott.

‘A verdict of “Not Guilty”.’

‘Come in, Captain Walcott, and let’s drink a toast to justice.’