Nothing but the strong arm of English law can put down the sorcerer; and that seldom enough, owing to the poor folks' dread of giving evidence.

Thus a woman, Madame Phyllis by name, ruled in a certain forest-hamlet of Trinidad.

Like Deborah of old, she sat under her own palm-tree, and judged her little Israel--by the Devil's law instead of God's.

Her murders (or supposed murders) were notorious: but no evidence could be obtained; Madame Phyllis dealt in poisons, charms, and philtres; and waxed fat on her trade for many a year.

The first shock her reputation received was from a friend of mine, who, in his Government duty, planned out a road which ran somewhat nearer her dwelling than was pleasant or safe for her privacy.