The Imposter 6/9

“But I really am an apprentice witch and my name is Jennifer Jane,” she said, feeling close to tears. She’d been so proud of her scroll and really had thought it would solve all her troubles.

“Witch you may be, although I’d expect some proof of that,” replied the parson, “but Jennifer Jane you most certainly are not! She’s nine feet high and always has a pet dragon with her. She comes to this village occasionally and we’ve all seen her!”

“Three shilling,” said the blacksmith holding out his hand again.

“I haven’t got any money, I told you I don’t have to pay in this world.”

“People who don’t pay their dues get put in the stocks, whatever ‘world’ they may happen to live in,” said the parson.

“How about paying my debt in chocolate swiss rolls,” said Jennifer Jane, falling back on her old stand by.

Both men looked at her blankly. She twiddled her fingers and gave them one each. “That should prove that I’m a witch,” she said grimly, she was beginning to get tired of having every one disbelieve her all the time.

She had to show them both how to take off the silver paper and then assured them that they were nice to eat. Two bites later and they were all smiles again.

“They are usually sold for sixpence each, but I’ll make you a special offer and only charge three pence. One dozen rolls and I’ll have paid for my repair.”

The blacksmith nodded enthusiastically, “mmf!” he said. After the first small bite, he’d put the remainder of the roll in his mouth all at once and couldn’t say any thing else.

“The parson gave back her scroll. “I don’t know why you carry this,” he said, “Everyone round here knows Jennifer Jane and I can assure you that she really is nine feet high! In fact you can stay around for a bit if you like and meet her, she’s due here in a couple of days or so and you can see her for yourself. I’ll put you up in the parsonage until she arrives and you can pay the rent with those chocolate things of yours!”