When Abigail is suspected of pretending, she denies it and actually threatens Deputy Governor Danforth, the man presiding over these proceedings.  She says, "Let you beware, Mr. Danforth.  Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits?  Beware of it!"  She seems to imply that he could be the next accused by her, that he is not exempt from the Devil's power (or hers).  Further, Abigail accuses Mary Warren of sending a freezing wind to the courtroom and of sending her spirit out in the shape of a yellow bird that supposedly wants to "tear [Abigail's] face."  Abigail speaks to the invisible bird and pleads with it, as though it were actually Mary.  Abby and the other girls begin to mimic everything that Mary says, as though Mary were controlling them.  Eventually, Mary becomes frightened enough by Abigail's performance that she lies and says that Proctor made her accuse Abigail, who she now says is telling the truth.

When Abby is questioned again, she turns against Mary, claiming that the girl has sent her spirit out. The other girls follow suit and begin following Abby's lead.