Today in Salem: Governor William Phips is looking down from a small hill in Boston Common, bouncing on his toes, gleeful with anticipation. Eight companies of militia — hundreds of men — are performing military drills below, preparing to fight the French and their Indian allies. He closes his eyes and listens, feels his heart beating in time with their march. Left, right, left, right.

The witchcraft trials and hangings are little more than a mosquito buzzing, an occasional distraction that the Governor has little time and patience for. While men from Salem have been nattering on about someone – Rebecca? Hannah? — the Governor has been attending to the far more enjoyable task of organizing a war expedition to Maine, one he will lead himself.

He’s appointed committees to arrange for food and supplies, and will set sail as soon as the warships are ready. He’ll stay in Maine for as long as it takes to defeat the enemy, trusting his second in command, Chief Justice Stoughton, to deal with smaller problems like Salem.

Tomorrow in Salem: BEGGING and FEASTING: the beggar Sarah Good and Governor Phips