When Witches Ride - A Play of Folk-Superstition, by Elizabeth Lay (1897-1989). Run by: ToddHW
Uncle Ben, owner of the crossroads store: ToddHW
Ed, his son: Larry Wilson
Jake, formerly a railroad engineer: Jim Gallagher
Phoebe Ward, witch: JennPratt
Stage Directions: Kelly S. Taylor

when witches ride a play of folk superstition by elizabeth a lay this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org

cast of characters uncle benny owner of the crossroads store read by todd and his son read by larry wilson jake formerly a railroad engineer read by jim gallagher phoebe ward the witch read by jennifer pratt scene directions read by kelly taylor

scene the storehouse of a crossroads store the action takes place in the back country of north carolina near the roanoke river at a time when the people of northampton county still believed in witches at a time when the people of northampton country still believed in witches a stormy night the room is a typical log cabin roughly built red pepper herbs and dried vegetables hang from the low rafters boxes and bales are piled in disorder among the farm implements kitchen utensils and miscellaneous articles from the stock of a crossroads general store dust and cobwebs are everywhere in the back wall at the right a small opening cut in the logs serves as a window with a rough shutter hinged loosely at the right side the door in the back wall at the left is hidden by a dirty sheet hung over it to keep out the cold air in the right side wall is a huge stone fireplace in which a hot fire blazes the opening being nearly filled with logs a large supply of wood is piled beside the fireplace at right a big jug of liquor stands on a box in that corner there is a rough bench in the front of the fire in the front at the left is a table three lighted candles a small straw covered jug mugs of liquor and coins are on the table ed jake and uncle benny are seated around the table playing cards and drinking outside the storm is gathering uncle benny is very old his face is wrinkled and weather beaten he has no teeth and is nearly bald he wears an old shirt and rusty trousers ed is middle aged and red of face very tall and lank his shoulders droop and his whole appearance is that of slouchiness he wears a dirty shirt and sleeves rolled up and ragged overalls jake is older than ed he is burly and strong commanding respect from the others who fear his bad temper he is something of a bully he wears a dark coat over his overalls an engineer's cap is on his head uncle benny speaking in a high nervous voice this here's mighty good liquor ain't it so jake jake pours himself another glass uh-huh it's your play ed i reckon you might as well pour me some more too while you're about it jake pours while uncle benny holds his cup suddenly a loud crash of thunder is heard uncle benny starts up and jerks his hand away nearly spilling the contents of the jug jake grabs the jug and sets it down with a bang stretcher idle man do you want to waste all this good whiskey what's the matter with you hey there now jake i didn't mean no harm i reckon united wasted all this here liquor ed drawling testily well tainted not of your looker is it jake turning on him and what are you jumping in about you're both about to jump out in your skins were you feared up ain't nothing but thundering mite but it's an awful night jake it's witch weather thunder and lightning on a cold night like this here just the night for witches to be riding and spirits to be walking and i can't leave off from feeling that's bad luck's coming to us here a very loud thunderclap is heard as the storm grows more fierce oh lordy lordy it's one powerful queer storm sure but brace up poppin have another drink the mugs are filled again mighty strange things has happened on a night like this here and right now the roanoke river...