Today in Salem: The abusive George Jacobs paces in the common area of the jail, where prisoners mingle during the day. Jacobs is elderly and extremely tall, so much so that he needs two canes to walk. His violent temper has always seemed to propel him forward, though.

The harsh John Proctor walks slowly next to him. Proctor’s letter to the governor has gone unanswered, and if there’s no reply by tomorrow night then he and the others are as good as dead. Even without a trial, it’s become clear that an accusation alone is enough to condemn them.

In Boston the governor hasn’t even unfolded the letter from Proctor. He has other pressing issues. Fresh recruits are heading north to fight the Indians. How will the colony pay them? How will it cover their expenses? He spends the day organizing a committee to deal with it.

Tomorrow in Salem: The harsh John Proctor receives the bad news