Read the passage.

excerpt from "A Witch Trial at Mount Holly"
by Benjamin Franklin

Accordingly the Time and Place was agreed on and advertised about the Country; The Accusers were 1 Man and 1 Woman: and the Accused the same. The Parties being met and the People got together, a grand Consultation was held, before they proceeded to Trial; in which it was agreed to use the Scales first; and a Committee of Men were appointed to search the Men, and a Committee of Women to search the Women...

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of this narrative.

What effect does word choice have on the meaning of this excerpt?

The mysterious usage of the word Scales adds suspense.

The informational phrase "the Time and Place was agreed on" makes the scene feel real.

The official-sounding phrase "a grand Consultation" adds humor.

The modern-sounding word advertised makes the excerpt easier to read.