`` If you meddle with the devil , take care of his claws , '' answered the captain of Castle William , stirred by the taunt against his countrymen . `` Craving your pardon , young sir , '' said the venerable selectman , `` let not an evil spirit enter into your words . We will strive against the oppressor with prayer and fasting , as our forefathers would have done . Like them , moreover , we will submit to whatever lot a wise Providence may send us -- always after our own best exertions to amend it . '' `` And there peep forth the devil 's claws ! '' muttered Hutchinson , who well understood the nature of Puritan submission . `` This matter shall be expedited forthwith . When there shall be a sentinel at every corner and a court of guard before the town-house , a loyal gentleman may venture to walk abroad . What to me is the outcry of a mob in this remote province of the realm ? The king is my master , and England is my country ; upheld by their armed strength , I set my foot upon the rabble and defy them . '' He snatched a pen and was about to affix his signature to the paper that lay on the table , when the captain of Castle William placed his hand upon his shoulder . The freedom of the action , so contrary to the ceremonious respect which was then considered due to rank and dignity , awakened general surprise , and in none more than in the lieutenant-governor himself . Looking angrily up , he perceived that his young relative was pointing his finger to the opposite wall . Hutchinson 's eye followed the signal , and he saw what had hitherto been unobserved -- that a black silk curtain was suspended before the mysterious picture , so as completely to conceal it . His thoughts immediately recurred to the scene of the preceding afternoon , and in his surprise , confused by indistinct emotions , yet sensible that his niece must have had an agency in this phenomenon , he called loudly upon her : `` Alice ! Come hither , Alice ! '' No sooner had he spoken than Alice Vane glided from her station , and , pressing one hand across her eyes , with the other snatched away the sable curtain that concealed the portrait . An exclamation of surprise burst from every beholder , but the lieutenant-governor 's voice had a tone of horror . `` By Heaven ! '' said he , in a low inward murmur , speaking rather to himself than to those around him ; `` if the spirit of Edward Randolph were to appear among us from the place of torment , he could not wear more of the terrors of hell upon his face . ''
`` For some wise end , '' said the aged selectman , solemnly , `` hath Providence scattered away the mist XXXXX years that had so long hid this dreadful effigy .
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