Following the horrific assault of his younger daughter in Book One, Assault, Robert Wentworth is accused by the townspeople of witchcraft and incestual rape. In desperation, he sends Faythe and Tommy to Briarcliff to solicit the help of a well-known lawyer. Fraught with lies and bribery, the ensuing trial is reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trials in all of their sham and paranoia.