But he was a man of strong mind and character; and though not entirely able to throw off the chains which superstition had woven around him, he repented very sorely the part he had taken against his wife.

This was enough to procure his own accusation.

The "afflicted girls" brought their usual complaints that his spectre tormented them.
They fell down and shrieked so wildly at his examination, that Squire Hathorne asked him with great indignation, "Is it not enough that you should afflict these girls at other times without doing it now in our presence ?" The honest and sturdy man was visibly affected.

He knew he was not consciously doing anything; but what could it all mean?
If he turned his head, the girls said he was hurting them and turned their heads the same way.

The Court ordered his hands tied--and then the girls said they were easier.