On returning from their unsuccessful pursuit of James Device, the two
Asshetons found Roger Nowell haranguing the hinds, who, on the flight of
their leader, would have taken to their heels likewise, if they had not
been detained, partly by the energetic efforts of Sparshot and the
grooms, and partly by the exhortations and menaces of the magistrate and
Holden. As it was, two or three contrived to get away, and fled across
the moor, whither the reeve pretended to pursue them; while those left
behind were taken sharply to task by Roger Nowell.
"Listen to me," he cried, "and take good heed to what I say, for it
concerns you nearly. Strange and dreadful things have come under my
observation on my way hither. I have seen a whole village stricken as by
a plague--a poor pedlar deprived of the use of his limbs and put in
peril of his life--and a young maiden, once the pride and ornament of
your own village, snatched from a fond father's care, and borne to an
untimely grave. These things I have seen with my own eyes; and I am
resolved that the perpetrators of these enormities, Mothers Demdike and
Chattox, shall be brought to justice. As to you, the deluded victims of
the impious hags, I can easily understand why you shut your eyes to
their evil doings. Terrified by their threats you submit to their
exactions, and so become their slaves--slaves of the bond-slaves of
Satan. What miserable servitude is this! By so doing you not only
endanger the welfare of your souls, by leaguing with the enemies of
Heaven, and render yourselves unworthy to be classed with a religious
and Christian people, but you place your lives in jeopardy by becoming
accessories to the crimes of those great offenders, and render
yourselves liable to like punishment with them. Seeing, then, the
imminency of the peril in which you stand, you will do well to avoid it
while there is yet time. Nor is this your only risk. Your servitude to
Mistress Nutter is equally perilous. What if she be owner of the land
you till, and the flocks you tend! You owe her no fealty. She has
forfeited all title to your service--and, so far from aiding her, you
ought to regard her as a great criminal, whom you are bound to bring to
justice. I have now incontestable proofs of her dealing in the black
art, and can show that by witchcraft she has altered the face of this
country, with the intent to rob me of my land."
Holden now took up the theme. "The finger of Heaven is pointed against
such robbery," he cried. "'Cursed is he,' saith the scripture, 'that
removeth his neighbour's landmark.' And again, it is written, 'Cursed is
he that smiteth his neighbour secretly.' Both these things hath Mistress
Nutter done, and for both shall she incur divine vengeance."
"Neither shall she escape that of man," added Nowell, severely; "for our
sovereign lord hath enacted that all persons employing or rewarding any
evil spirit, shall be held guilty of felony, and shall suffer death. And
death will be her portion, for such demoniacal agency most assuredly
hath she employed."
The magistrate here paused for a moment to regard his audience, and
reading in their terrified looks that his address had produced the
desired impression, he continued with increased severity--
"These wicked women shall trouble the land no longer. They shall be
arrested and brought to judgment; and if you do not heartily bestir
yourselves in their capture, and undertake to appear in evidence against
them, you shall be held and dealt with as accessories in their crimes."
Upon this, the hinds, who were greatly alarmed, declared with one accord
their willingness to act as the magistrate should direct.
"You do wisely," cried Potts, who by this time had made his way back to
the assemblage, covered from head to foot with ooze, as on his former
misadventure. "Mistress Nutter and the two old hags who hold you in
thrall would lead you to destruction. For understand it is the firm
determination of my respected client, Master Roger Nowell, as well as of
myself, not to relax in our exertions till the whole of these pestilent
witches who trouble the country be swept away, and to spare none who
assist and uphold them."
The hinds stared aghast, for so grim was the appearance of the attorney,
that they almost thought Hobthurst, the lubber-fiend, was addressing
them.
At this moment old Henry Mitton came up. He had partially recovered from
the stunning effects of the blow dealt him by James Device, but his head
was cut open, and his white locks were dabbled in blood. Pushing his way
through the assemblage, he stood before the magistrate.
"If yo want a witness agen that foul murtheress and witch, Alice Nutter,
ca' me, Master Roger Nowell," he said. "Ey con tay my Bible oath that
the whole feace o' this keawntry has been chaunged sin yester neet, by
her hondywark. Ca' me also to speak to her former life--to her intimacy
wi' Mother Demdike an owd Chattox. Ca' me to prove her constant
attendance at devils' sabbaths on Pendle Hill, and elsewhere, wi' other
black and damning offences--an among 'em the murder, by witchcraft, o'
her husband, Ruchot Nutter."
A thrill of horror pervaded the assemblage at this denunciation; and
Master Potts, who was being cleansed from his sable stains by one of the
grooms, cried out--
"This is the very man for us, my excellent client. Your name and abode,
friend?"
"Harry Mitton o' Rough Lee," replied the old man. "Ey ha' dwelt there
seventy year an uppards, an ha' known the feyther and granfeyther o'
Ruchot Nutter, an also Alice Nutter, when hoo war Alice Assheton. Ca'
me, sir, an aw' ye want to knoa ye shan larn."
"We will call you, my good friend," said Potts; "and, if you have
sustained any private wrongs from Mistress Nutter, they shall be amply
redressed."
"Ey ha' endured much ot her honts," rejoined Mitton; "boh ey dunna speak
o' mysel'. It be high time that Owd Scrat should ha' his claws clipt, an
honest folk be allowed to live in peace."
"Very true, my worthy friend--very true," assented Potts.
An immediate return to Whalley was now proposed by Nowell; but Master
Potts was of opinion that, as they were in the neighbourhood of Malkin
Tower, they should proceed thither at once, and effect the arrest of
Mother Demdike, after which Mother Chattox could be sought out and
secured. The presence of these two witches would be most important, he
declared, in the examination of Mistress Nutter. Hue and cry for the
fugitive, James Device, ought also to be made throughout the forest.
Confounded by what they heard, Richard and Nicholas had hitherto taken
no part in the proceedings, but they now seconded Master Potts's
proposition, hoping that the time occupied by the visit to Malkin Tower
would prove serviceable to Mistress Nutter; for they did not doubt that
intelligence would be conveyed to her by some of her agents, of Nowell's
intention to arrest her.
Additional encouragement was given to the plan by the arrival of Richard
Baldwyn, who, at this juncture, rode furiously up to the party.
"Weel, han yo settled your business here, Mester Nowell?" he asked, in
breathless anxiety.
"We have so far settled it, that we have established proofs of
witchcraft against Mistress Nutter," replied Nowell. "Can you speak to
her character, Baldwyn?"
"Yeigh, that ey con," rejoined the miller, "an nowt good. Ey wish to see
aw these mischeevous witches burnt; an that's why ey ha' ridden efter
yo, Mester Nowell. Ey want your help os a magistrate agen Mother
Demdike. Yo ha a constable wi' ye, and so can arrest her at wonst."
"You have come most opportunely, Baldwyn," observed Potts. "We were just
considering whether we should go to Malkin Tower."
"Then decide upon 't," rejoined the miller, "or th' owd hag win escape
ye. Tak her unaweares."
"I don't know that we shall take her unawares, Baldwyn," said Potts;
"but I am decidedly of opinion that we should go thither without delay.
Is Malkin Tower far off?"
"About a mile fro' Rough Lee," replied the miller. "Go back wi' me to t'
mill, where yo con refresh yourselves, an ey'n get together some dozen
o' my friends, an then we'n aw go up to t' Tower together."
"A very good suggestion," said Potts; "and no doubt Master Nowell will
accede to it."
"We have force enough already, it appears to me," observed Nowell.
"I should think so," replied Richard. "Some dozen men, armed, against a
poor defenceless old woman, are surely enough."
"Owd, boh neaw defenceless, Mester Ruchot," rejoined Baldwyn. "Yo canna
go i' too great force on an expedition like this. Malkin Tower is a
varry strong place, os yo'n find."
"Well," said Nowell, "since we are here, I agree with Master Potts, that
it would be better to secure these two offenders, and convey them to
Whalley, where their examination can be taken at the same time with that
of Mistress Nutter. We therefore accept your offer of refreshment,
Baldwyn, as some of our party may stand in need of it, and will at once
proceed to the mill."
"Well resolved, sir," said Potts.
"We'n tae th' owd witch, dead or alive," cried Baldwyn.
"Alive--we must have her alive, good Baldwyn," said Potts. "You must see
her perish at the stake."
"Reet, mon," cried the miller, his eyes blazing with fury; "that's true
vengeance. Ey'n ride whoam an get aw ready fo ye. Yo knoa t' road."
So saying, he struck spurs into his horse and galloped off. Scarcely was
he gone than the reeve, who had kept out of his sight, came forward.
"Since you have resolved upon going to Malkin Tower," he said to Nowell,
"and have a sufficiently numerous party for the purpose, my further
attendance can be dispensed with. I will ride in search of James
Device."
"Do so," replied the magistrate, "and let hue and cry be made after
him."
"It shall be," replied the reeve, "and, if taken, he shall be conveyed
to Whalley."
And he made towards the clough, as if with the intention of putting his
words into execution.
Word was now given to set forward, and Master Potts having been
accommodated with a horse by one of the grooms, who proceeded on foot,
the party began to retrace their course to the mill.
They were soon again by the side of Pendle Water, and erelong reached
Rough Lee. As they rode through the close at the back of the mansion,
Roger Nowell halted for a moment, and observed with a grim smile to
Richard--
"Never more shall Mistress Nutter enter that house. Within a week she
shall be lodged in Lancaster Castle, as a felon of the darkest dye, and
she shall meet a felon's fate. And not only shall she be sent thither,
but all her partners in guilt--Mother Demdike and her accursed brood,
the Devices; old Chattox and her grand-daughter, Nance Redferne: not one
shall escape."
"You do not include Alizon Device in your list?" cried Richard.
"I include all--I will spare none," rejoined Nowell, sternly.
"Then I will move no further with you," said Richard.
"How!" cried Newell, "are you an upholder of these witches? Beware what
you do, young man. Beware how you take part with them. You will bring
suspicion upon yourself, and get entangled in a net from which you will
not easily escape."
"I care not what may happen to me," rejoined Richard; "I will never lend
myself to gross injustice--such as you are about to practise. Since you
announce your intention of including the innocent with the guilty, of
exterminating a whole family for the crimes of one or two of its
members, I have done. You have made dark accusations against Mistress
Nutter, but you have proved nothing. You assert that, by witchcraft, she
has changed the features of your land, but in what way can you make good
the charge? Old Mitton has, indeed, volunteered himself as a witness
against her, and has accused her of most heinous offences; but he has at
the same time shown that he is her enemy, and his testimony will be
regarded with doubt. I will not believe her guilty on mere suspicion,
and I deny that you have aught more to proceed upon."
"I shall not argue the point with you now, sir," replied Nowell;
angrily. "Mistress Nutter will be fairly tried, and if I fail in my
proofs against her, she will be acquitted. But I have little fear of
such a result," he added, with a sinister smile.
"You are confident, sir, because you know there would be every
disposition to find her guilty," replied Richard. "She will not be
fairly tried. All the prejudices of ignorance and superstition,
heightened by the published opinions of the King, will be arrayed
against her. Were she as free from crime, or thought of crime, as the
new-born babe, once charged with the horrible and inexplicable offence
of witchcraft, she would scarce escape. You go determined to destroy
her."
"I will not deny it," said Roger Newell, "and I am satisfied that I
shall render good service to society by freeing it from so vile a
member. So abhorrent is the crime of witchcraft, that were my own son
suspected, I would be the first to deliver him to justice. Like a
noxious and poisonous plant, the offence has taken deep root in this
country, and is spreading its baneful influence around, so that, if it
be not extirpated, it may spring up anew, and cause incalculable
mischief. But it shall now be effectually checked. Of the families I
have mentioned, not one shall escape; and if Mistress Nutter herself had
a daughter, she should be brought to judgment. In such cases, children
must suffer for the sins of the parents."
"You have no regard, then, for their innocence?" said Richard, who felt
as if a weight of calamity was crushing him down.
"Their innocence must be proved at the proper tribunal," rejoined
Nowell. "It is not for me to judge them."
"But you do judge them," cried Richard, sharply. "In making the charge,
you know that you pronounce the sentence of condemnation as well. This
is why the humane man--why the just--would hesitate to bring an
accusation even where he suspected guilt--but where suspicion could not
possibly attach, he would never suffer himself, however urged on by
feelings of animosity, to injure the innocent."
"You ascribe most unworthy motives to me, young sir," rejoined Nowell,
sternly. "I am influenced only by a desire to see justice administered,
and I shall not swerve from my duty, because my humanity may be called
in question by a love-sick boy. I understand why you plead thus warmly
for these infamous persons. You are enthralled by the beauty of the
young witch, Alizon Device. I noted how you were struck by her
yesterday--and I heard what Sir Thomas Metcalfe said on the subject. But
take heed what you do. You may jeopardise both soul and body in the
indulgence of this fatal passion. Witchcraft is exercised in many ways.
Its professors have not only power to maim and to kill, and to do other
active mischief, but to ensnare the affections and endanger the souls of
their victims, by enticing them to unhallowed love. Alizon Device is
comely to view, no doubt, but who shall say whence her beauty is
derived? Hell may have arrayed her in its fatal charms. Sin is
beautiful, but all-destructive. And the time will come when you may
thank me for delivering you from the snares of this seductive siren."
Richard uttered an angry exclamation.
"Not now--I do not expect it--you are too much besotted by her," pursued
Nowell; "but I conjure you to cast off this wicked and senseless
passion, which, unless checked, will lead you to perdition. You have
heard what abominable rites are practised at those unholy meetings
called Devil's Sabbaths, and how can you say that some demon may not be
your rival in Alizon's love?"
"You pass all licence, sir," cried Richard, infuriated past endurance;
"and, if you do not instantly retract the infamous accusation you have
made, neither your age nor your office shall protect you."
"I can fortunately protect myself, young man," replied Nowell, coldly;
"and if aught were wanting to confirm my suspicions that you were under
some evil influence, it would be supplied by your present conduct. You
are bewitched by this girl."
"It is false!" cried Richard.
And he raised his hand against the magistrate, when Nicholas quickly
interposed.
"Nay, cousin Dick," cried the squire, "this must not be. You must take
other means of defending the poor girl, whose innocence I will maintain
as stoutly as yourself. But, since Master Roger Nowell is resolved to
proceed to extremities, I shall likewise take leave to retire."
"Your pardon, sir," rejoined Nowell; "you will not withdraw till I think
fit. Master Richard Assheton, forgetful alike of the respect due to age
and constituted authority, has ventured to raise his hand against me,
for which, if I chose, I could place him in immediate arrest. But I
have no such intention. On the contrary, I am willing to overlook the
insult, attributing it to the frenzy by which he is possessed. But both
he and you, Master Nicholas, are mistaken if you suppose I will permit
you to retire. As a magistrate in the exercise of my office, I call upon
you both to aid me in the capture of the two notorious witches, Mothers
Demdike and Chattox, and not to desist or depart from me till such
capture be effected. You know the penalty of refusal."
"Heavy fine or imprisonment, at the option of the magistrate," remarked
Potts.
"My cousin Nicholas will do as he pleases," observed Richard; "but, for
my part, I will not stir a step further."
"Nor will I," added Nicholas, "unless I have Master Nowell's solemn
pledge that he will take no proceedings against Alizon Device."
"You can give no such assurance, sir," whispered Potts, seeing that the
magistrate wavered in his resolution.
"You must go, then," said Nowell, "and take the consequences of your
refusal to act with me. Your relationship to Mistress Nutter will not
tell in your favour."
"I understand the implied threat," said Nicholas, "and laugh at it.
Richard, lad, I am with you. Let him catch the witches himself, if he
can. I will not budge an inch further with him."
"Farewell, then, gentlemen," replied Roger Nowell; "I am sorry to part
company with you thus, but when next we meet--" and he paused.
"We meet as enemies, I presume" supplied Nicholas.
"We meet no longer as friends," rejoined the magistrate, coldly.
With this he moved forward with the rest of the troop, while the two
Asshetons, after a moment's consultation, passed through a gate and made
their way to the back of the mansion, where they found one or two men on
the look-out, from whom they received intelligence, which induced them
immediately to spring from their horses and hurry into the house.
Arrived at the principal entrance of the mansion, which was formed by
large gates of open iron-work, admitting a view of the garden and front
of the house, Roger Nowell again called a halt, and Master Potts, at his
request, addressed the porter and two other serving-men who were
standing in the garden, in this fashion--
"Pay attention to what I say to you, my men," he cried in a loud and
authoritative voice--"a warrant will this day be issued for the arrest
of Alice Nutter of Rough Lee, in whose service you have hitherto dwelt,
and who is charged with the dreadful crime of witchcraft, and with
invoking, consulting, and covenanting with, entertaining, employing,
feeding, and rewarding evil spirits, contrary to the laws of God and
man, and in express violation of his Majesty's statute. Now take
notice, that if the said Alice Nutter shall at any time hereafter return
to this her former abode, or take refuge within it, you are hereby bound
to deliver her up forthwith to the nearest constable, to be by him
brought before the worshipful Master Roger Nowell of Read, in this
county, so that she may be examined by him on these charges. You hear
what I have said?"
The men exchanged significant glances, but made no reply.
Potts was about to address them, but to his surprise he saw the central
door of the house thrown open, and Mistress Nutter issue from it. She
marched slowly and majestically down the broad gravel walk towards the
gate. The attorney could scarcely believe his eyes, and he exclaimed to
the magistrate with a chuckle--
"Who would have thought of this! We have her safe enough now. Ha! ha!"
But no corresponding smile played upon Nowell's hard lips. His gaze was
fixed inquiringly upon the lady.
Another surprise. From the same door issued Alizon Device, escorted by
Nicholas and Richard Assheton, who walked on either side of her, and the
three followed Mistress Nutter slowly down the broad walk. Such a
display seemed to argue no want of confidence. Alizon did not look
towards the group outside the gates, but seemed listening eagerly to
what Richard was saying to her.
"So, Master Nowell," cried Mistress Nutter, boldly, "since you find
yourself defeated in the claims you have made against my property, you
are seeking to revenge yourself, I understand, by bringing charges
against me as false as they are calumnious. But I defy your malice, and
can defend myself against your violence."
"If I could be astonished at any thing in you, madam, I should be at
your audacity," rejoined Nowell, "but I am glad that you have presented
yourself before me; for it was my fixed intention, on my return to
Whalley, to cause your arrest, and your unexpected appearance here
enables me to put my design into execution somewhat sooner than I
anticipated."
Mistress Nutter laughed scornfully.
"Sparshot," vociferated Nowell, "enter those gates, and arrest the lady
in the King's name."
The beadle looked irresolute. He did not like the task.
"The gates are fastened," cried Mistress Nutter.
"Force them open, then," roared Nowell, dismounting and shaking them
furiously. "Bring me a heavy stone. By heaven I I will not be baulked of
my prey."
"My servants are armed," cried Mistress Nutter, "and the first man who
enters shall pay the penalty of has rashness with life. Bring me a
petronel, Blackadder."
The order was promptly obeyed by the ill-favoured attendant, who was
stationed near the gate.
"I am in earnest," said Mistress Nutter, aiming the petronel, "and
seldom miss my mark."
"Give attention to me, my men," cried Roger Nowell. "I charge you in the
King's name to throw open the gate."
"And I charge you in mine to keep it fast," rejoined Mistress Nutter.
"We shall see who will be obeyed."
One of the grooms now advanced with a large stone taken from an
adjoining wall, which he threw with great force against the gates, but
though it shook them violently the fastenings continued firm. Blackadder
and the two other serving-men, all of whom were armed with halberts, now
advanced to the gates, and, thrusting the points of their weapons
through the bars, drove back those who were near them.
A short consultation now took place between Nowell and Potts, after
which the latter, taking care to keep out of the reach of the halberts,
thus delivered himself in a loud voice:--
"Alice Nutter, in order to avoid the serious consequences which might
ensue were the necessary measures taken to effect a forcible entrance
into your habitation, the worshipful Master Nowell has thought fit to
grant you an hour's respite for reflection; at the expiration of which
time he trusts that you, seeing the futility of resisting the law, will
quietly yield yourself a prisoner. Otherwise, no further leniency will
be shown you and those who may uphold you in your contumacy."
Mistress Nutter laughed loudly and contemptuously.
"At the same time," pursued Potts, on a suggestion from the magistrate,
"Master Roger Nowell demands that Alizon Device, daughter of Elizabeth
Device, whom he beholds in your company, and who is likewise suspected
of witchcraft, be likewised delivered up to him."
"Aught more?" inquired Mistress Nutter.
"Only this," replied Potts, in a taunting tone, "the worshipful
magistrate would offer a friendly counsel to Master Nicholas Assheton,
and Master Richard Assheton, whom, to his infinite surprise, he
perceives in a hostile position before him, that they in nowise
interfere with his injunctions, but, on the contrary, lend their aid in
furtherance of them, otherwise he may be compelled to adopt measures
towards them, which must be a source of regret to him. I have
furthermore to state, on the part of his worship, that strict watch will
be kept at all the approaches of your house, and that no one, on any
pretence whatever, during the appointed time of respite, will be
suffered to enter it, or depart from it. In an hour his worship will
return."
"And in an hour he shall have my answer," replied Mistress Nutter,
turning away.