The Strange Death of Mistress Coffin by Robert J. Begiebing Read Free Book Online Page A

resulting from the Antinomian controversy. Fast upon Shaw’s talk of savage mutilations, Browne could not help recalling the descriptions of similar grotesque tortures matched back and forth between the English and the Pequod.
    The night pressed in from behind him and millions of orange sparks leaped from the fire toward white stars. The only sound above the rush of the fire was the old poet’s music.

IX

    The next morning the two Englishmen were shown into a wigwam where they met an Indian seated alone on a heap of animal skins. The Indian rose and embraced Shaw, then, at first in slightly hesitant English, asked his visitors to sit before him.
    Browne soon realized that the man before him must be Higgins himself despite the greased and dyed flesh, the savage’s clothing and hair.
    In the course of early conversation, Browne also came to understand that there was some mild restriction placed upon Higgins at the moment, some discipline he was enduring, for he was required to reside and eat alone, and to avoid close contact with women. He joined the savages, however, in their daily work and entertainments, treated, it seemed in this sense at least, as a member of their community.
    Higgins asked questions about the plantation and the condition of his family, and Shaw offered detailed answers. Yet Higgins showed some uncertainty toward Browne. It was not, to Browne’s surprise, any particular anger over Shaw having broken his oath of secrecy. Higgins seemed to understand that Browne wished to help his family, seemed to accept Browne’s arrival as some necessity in the unfolding of events. But there was a tail of suspicion, an animal watchfulness in the darkened face and steady eyes.
    When his questions revealed nothing new about thecircumstances of Kathrin Coffin’s death, Browne suddenly turned to the question of necromancy. What, Browne asked, was the role of Tantpasiquineo in all this?
    â€œI met him, as the sachem, two years ago,” Higgins answered, “while trading with Darby here. We saw that he was a powerful man. So we worked through him our trading. We made sure the others we traded with knew we were trading under his care.”
    â€œWith success?”
    â€œWith much success. We kept our trade honest. Darby could tell you the wealth he has put aside. I too was seeing my way to such gain in the fur trade when Mistress Coffin met her end. No one knows what we gained in trade but ourselves. There is wealth to be taken here, Mr. Browne, if one knows the ways of this New World.”
    â€œI don’t doubt it. But what of Tantpasiquineo?”
    â€œThere was trust between us. There was profit on both sides. So when I came here in my afflictions, he grew interested in these torments and took me in, saw the danger immediately.”
    â€œAre there not other and more efficacious sources of help in affliction for Christians?” Browne asked.
    â€œThe source of salvation becomes less important when you are running from evil, from the death of all you know and love. My household cursed, my children dying. I myself under unjust suspicion. I had no other source within the plantation.”
    â€œNor the polity of Massachusetts Bay?” Browne asked.
    â€œYou have to ask me that, Sir?” Higgins retorted. “The choice was death or flight. So I left, told no one. Except Darby, of course. This seems to have worked until now.”
    â€œFor now,” Browne agreed. “What is the role of this savage magician?”
    â€œHe has provided for my comfort and life. We also work together to understand the events and dreams attached to my affliction. I’ve placed myself under his protection.”
    â€œAnd he has offered you hope of deliverance?”
    â€œHe would learn something of Englishmen’s magic. And he has labored in my behalf.”
    â€œBy his chants and spells?”
    â€œBy whatever power he has.”
    â€œYou would traffic with the Devil,