It is quite evident that the part played by the Indian woman on this occasion was pre-arranged.  She had, from the first, been concerned with the circle of girls in their necromantic operations; and her statements show the materials out of which their ridiculous and monstrous stories were constructed.  She said that there were four who “hurt the children.”  Upon being pressed by the magistrate to tell who they were, she named Osburn and Good, but did “not know who the others were.”  Two others were marked; but it was not thought best to bring them out until these three examinations had first been made to tell upon the public mind.  Tituba had been apprised of Elizabeth Hubbard’s story, that she had been “pinched” that morning; and, as well as “Lieutenant Fuller and others,” had heard of the delirious exclamation of Thomas Putnam’s sick child during the night.  “Abigail Williams, that lives with her uncle Parris,” had communicated to the Indian slave the story of “the woman with two legs and wings.”  In fact, she had been fully admitted to their councils, and made acquainted with all the stories they were to tell.  But, when it became necessary to avoid specifications touching parties whose names it had been decided not to divulge at that stage of the business, the wily old servant escapes further interrogation, “I am blind now:  I cannot see.”

Proceedings connected with these examinations were continued several days.  The result appears, in the handwriting of John Hathorne, as follows:—­

“Salem Village, March 1, 1691/2.—­Tituba, an Indian woman, brought before us by Constable Jos.  Herrick, of Salem, upon suspicion of witchcraft by her committed, according to the complaint of Jos.  Hutchinson and Thomas Putnam, &c., of Salem Village, as appears per warrant granted, Salem, 29th February, 1691/2.  Tituba, upon examination, and after some denial, acknowledged the matter of fact, as, according to her examination given in, more fully will appear, and who also charged Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn with the same.

“Salem Village, March the 1st, 1691/2.—­Sarah Good, Sarah Osburn, and Tituba, an Indian woman, all of Salem Village, being this day brought before us, upon suspicion of witchcraft, &c., by them and every one of them committed; Tituba, an Indian woman, acknowledging the matter of fact, and Sarah Osburn and Sarah Good denying the same before us; but there appearing, in all their examinations, sufficient ground to secure them all.  And, in order to further examination, they were all per mittimus sent to the jails in the county of Essex.

“Salem, March 2.—­Sarah Osburn again examined, and also Tituba, as will appear in their examinations given in.  Tituba again acknowledged the fact, and also accused the other two.

     “Salem, March 3.—­Sarah Osburn, and Tituba, Indian, again
     examined.  The examination now given in.  Tituba again said
     the same.