The Witching Well

In a field behind a farm house in Montana is an old stone well
nearly hidden by tall Herbs and plants.

Perhaps it was forgotten because of the modern convenience of
running water connected to the farm house. Oh no! There is more
to this well then plain neglect.

The actual truth of the matter is that the well is believed to be cursed.

Legend has it that the farm was once owned by a strange old woman
by the name of Mrs. Diana Godfree, Who was known for growing
strange roots and herbs around that very well, and that she
harvested in the dead of night under a full moon.
Some say she was a midwife and a healer. Other folks rumored her
to be a witch in league with dark demons. Everyone agreed that old
Lady Godfree was very strange indeed.

Before the town had a doctor, The towns people went to Lady
Godfree for remedies to cure the sick, people and animals alike.
She was well liked and respected in those days. Then a doctor with
medicines and science set up residence. Soon old lady Godfree's
friends became very few. Diana Godfree retired to her farm and
rarely ventured into town. Only one very poor Mother named Julia
and her children Daniel and Alice ever went to see her.

"How are the youngsters today," Asked The old healer.

"The herbs you gave me stopped their cough and fever," Julia
reported. "I've brought you some fresh eggs as payment.."

"That will be fine." Diana answered. "I'm glad to help friendly
and decent folks like yourself."

"Others in town have the fever too," Julia said, "Some what
concerned. "Doctor .Emit's cure aren't working as well as you herbs
do."

"I'm sure the good Doctor.is doing the best his learned science can
do. Perhaps you might tell those sick towns people that I can
help?"

"Indeed I will," responded Julia as she thanked Mrs. Godfree as she
left.

Sure enough people began bringing their sick to Mrs. Godfree to be
cured. Within a week Doctor.Emit office was as quiet as a tomb. It
didn't take long to hear rumors that old Mrs. Godfree was the
preferred healer in the town. It was evident to Doctor.Emit that there
was only room for one healer in the area. That's when Doctor.Emit
decided to have a word with Mrs. Godfree.

The Doctor paid Mrs. Godfree a visit late that evening,

"Is it true, Mrs. Godfree, that you have been making cures for the
town's people?" Doctor.Emit asked.

"Indeed," answered Diana. "I've been mixing healing herbs and
roots for many years. The people here about's come to me when they,
or their animals, are ill and I make them well if I can. Much like
yourself Doctor.Emit," She replied in a friendly manor.

"May I ask how you learned to make These healing mixtures?
Mrs. Godfree?" The Doctor. then asked in a nearly angry tone. "Surely
you must have been trained to heal people." He continued raising
his voice."I got my medical training from six years of medical
schooling and training which gives me the right to practice medicine,
Mrs. Godfree. Do you!"

"You need not shout sir. My ears hear you very well. If you must
know, I have been taught by my mother who was in turn taught by
her mother and so on. What they did not teach me I learned from
the plant's and animals, Don't tell me that your six years of
schooling didn't teach you how to do that," She answered mocking
his abilities.

"You speak of Witchcraft!" Accused Doctor. Emit. "The law is clear in
this matter. If you continue to treat people for their illnesses,
I will see to it that you are arrested. Witchcraft is a serious
charge. If you don't wish to be hung. I suggest you tell the
people you treat to get their cures from me!" At that He stormed
out of her house, very sure that he would be back in business in
no time.

Diana Godfree was not about to let Doctor.Emit have any power over
her. That night she collected several pouches of herbs and roots.
The following day she visited her friend Julia and asked her to
send word to as many of Mrs. Godfree's patience as possible to
re-visit the Doctor's office the next day hence when he opens at 8:00 AM.

The second day following his visit to Diana's house Doctor.Emit found
a line of people waiting to enter his office. He greeted each one
with a smile on his face until he found Diana herself at the
front of the line holding a bundle wrapped around some pouches.

"What do you want here," He asked her in a suspicious tone.

"You told me to send my patience back to your care and I have done
so." She handed him her bundle. "This is what these people need to
return to good health. I'm sure you know how to use them. If you
do not, I'll be glad to show you how."

T he Doctor. was red in the face with rage. He threw her bundle to the
ground. Then he faced the crowd pointing to Diana. "This woman has
claimed that the plants she wants to cure you with speak to her.
She is either crazy, or worse, a Witch."

Diana quickly explained, "The color, smell, location, and time of ripening is how the plants speak to me Doctor.Emit. I also observe what heals the wild
animals," Stated Mrs. Godfree in her defense. "Many generations of
Godfree woman have developed and taught this to their young girls
to pass on. What is important here is that these cures work. Do you
want to get these people well or not Doctor. Emit?!"

"Leave her now Mrs. Godfree!" He demanded. "And take your poisons
with you!"

"If that is your answer Doctor,. then a healer you are not. Good-bye
Doctor." she replied. Picking up her bundle she left, and so did
everyone else.

That was the end of Doctor.Emit's practice. He soon took to drinking
at the local saloon. One night in a drunken stooper he plotted
revenge. Filling his bag with drugs from his old office he took
them to Diana's house. He found her well and garden behind the
farmhouse and stomped on the plants, and dumped chemicals
into the well.

As he emptied the last bottle Mrs. Godfree arrived to harvest
her herbs.When she got there the garden was completely
trampled and ruined.

"What have you done!" She gasped in dismay and horror.

"Try to cure anyone now!" Said the drunken Mr.Emit staggering as he
laughed. "I cures you and your evil plants. I curse it all."

At that moment he stumbled backwards falling into the well. There was
a scream and a splash.Then from the depths of the well spewed black
smoke that covered the entire field. When the smoke finally stopped,
and faded away, the field was overgrown with herbs and plants of all
kinds.

Doctor.Emit's empty bag was found next to the well. No trace was ever
found of Mrs. Diana Godfree or the Doctor.

On the night of a full moon a large crow has been seen flying into
the herb garden always leaving with some herbs or roots. Some say
it is Mrs Diana Godfree cursed by the Doctor.and transformed by the
hellish smoke from the well. What do you believe?