When skies are darkest, and storms are gathering thickest overhead, the
star of love will oft shine out with greatest brilliancy; and so, while
Mistress Nutter was hurling defiance against her foes at the gate, and
laughing their menaces to scorn--while those very foes were threatening
Alizon's liberty and life--she had become wholly insensible to the peril
environing her, and almost unconscious of any other presence save that
of Richard, now her avowed lover; for, impelled by the irresistible
violence of his feelings, the young man had chosen that moment,
apparently so unpropitious, and so fraught with danger and alarm, for
the declaration of his passion, and the offer of his life in her
service. A few low-murmured words were all Alizon could utter in reply,
but they were enough. They told Richard his passion was requited, and
his devotion fully appreciated. Sweet were those moments to both--sweet,
though sad. Like Alizon, her lover had become insensible to all around
him. Engrossed by one thought and one object, he was lost to aught else,
and was only at last aroused to what was passing by the squire, who,
having good-naturedly removed to a little distance from the pair, now
gave utterance to a low whistle, to let them know that Mistress Nutter
was coming towards them. The lady, however, did not stop, but motioning
them to follow, entered the house.
"You have heard what has passed," she said. "In an hour Master Nowell
threatens to return and arrest me and Alizon."
"That shall never be," cried Richard, with a passionate look at the
young girl. "We will defend you with our lives."
"Much may be done in an hour," observed Nicholas to Mistress Nutter,
"and my advice to you is to use the time allowed you in making good your
retreat, so that, when the hawks come back, they may find the doves
flown."
"I have no intention of quitting my dovecot," replied Mistress Nutter,
with a bitter smile.
"Unless you are forcibly taken from it, I suppose," said the squire; "a
contingency not impossible if you await Roger Nowell's return. This
time, be assured, he will not go away empty-handed."
"He may not go away at all," rejoined Mistress Nutter, sternly.
"Then you mean to make a determined resistance?" said Nicholas.
"Recollect that you are resisting the law. I wish I could induce you to
resort to the safer expedient of flight. This affair is already dark and
perplexed enough, and does not require further complication. Find any
place of concealment, no matter where, till some arrangement can be made
with Roger Nowell."
"I should rather urge you to fly, Nicholas," rejoined the lady; "for it
is evident you have strong misgivings as to the justice of my cause,
and would not willingly compromise yourself. I will not surrender to
this magistrate, because, by so doing, my life would assuredly be
forfeited, for my innocence could never be established before the
iniquitous and bloody tribunal to which I should be brought. Neither,
for the same reason, will I surrender Alizon, who, with a refinement of
malignity, has been similarly accused. I shall now proceed to make
preparations for my defence. Go, if you think fitting--or stay--but if
you _do_ stay, I shall calculate upon your active services."
"You may," replied the squire. "Whatever I may think, I admire your
spirit, and will stand by you. But time is passing, and the foe will
return and find us engaged in deliberation when we ought to be prepared.
You have a dozen men on the premises on whom you can rely. Half of these
must be placed at the back of the house to prevent any entrance from
being effected in that quarter. The rest can remain within the entrance
hall, and be ready to rush forth when summoned by us; but we will not so
summon them unless we are hardly put to it, and their aid is
indispensable. All should be well armed, but I trust they will not have
to use their weapons. Are you agreed to this, madam?"
"I am," replied Mistress Nutter, "and I will give instant directions
that your wishes are complied with. All approaches to the back of the
house shall be strictly guarded as you direct, and my trusty man,
Blackadder, on whose fidelity and courage I can entirely rely, shall
take the command of the party in the hall, and act under your orders.
Your prowess will not be unobserved, for Alizon and I shall be in the
upper room commanding the garden, whence we can see all that takes
place."
A slight smile was exchanged between the lovers; but it was evident,
from her anxious looks, that Alizon did not share in Richard's
confidence. An opportunity, however, was presently afforded him of again
endeavouring to reassure her, for Mistress Nutter went forth to give
Blackadder his orders, and Nicholas betook himself to the back of the
house to ascertain, from personal inspection, its chance of security.
"You are still uneasy, dear Alizon," said Richard, taking her hand; "but
do not be cast down. No harm shall befall you."
"It is not for myself I am apprehensive," she replied, "but for you, who
are about to expose yourself to needless risk in this encounter; and, if
any thing should happen to you, I shall be for ever wretched. I would
far rather you left me to my fate."
"And can you think I would allow you to be borne away a captive to
ignominy and certain destruction?" cried Richard. "No, I will shed my
heart's best blood before such a calamity shall occur."
"Alas!" said Alizon, "I have no means of requiting your devotion. All I
can offer you in return is my love, and that, I fear, will prove fatal
to you."
"Oh! do not say so," cried Richard. "Why should this sad presentiment
still haunt you? I strove to chase it away just now, and hoped I had
succeeded. You are dearer to me than life. Why, therefore, should I not
risk it in your defence? And why should your love prove fatal to me?"
"I know not," replied Alizon, in a tone of deepest anguish, "but I feel
as if my destiny were evil; and that, against my will, I shall drag
those I most love on earth into the same dark gulf with myself. I have
the greatest affection for your sister Dorothy, and yet I have been the
unconscious instrument of injury to her. And you too, Richard, who are
yet dearer to me, are now put in peril on my account. I fear, too, when
you know my whole history, you will think of me as a thing of evil, and
shun me."
"What mean you, Alizon?" he cried.
"Richard, I can have no secrets from you," she replied; "and though I
was forbidden to tell you what I am now about to disclose, I will not
withhold it. I was born in this house, and am the daughter of its
mistress."
"You tell me only what I guessed, Alizon," rejoined the young man; "but
I see nothing in this why I should shun you."
Alizon hid her face for a moment in her hands; and then looking up, said
wildly and hurriedly, "Would I had never known the secret of my birth;
or, knowing it, had never seen what I beheld last night!"
"What did you behold?" asked Richard, greatly agitated.
"Enough to convince me, that in gaining a mother I was lost myself,"
replied Alizon; "for oh! how can I survive the shock of telling you I am
bound, by ties that can never be dissevered, to one abandoned alike of
God and man--who has devoted herself to the Fiend! Pity me,
Richard--pity me, and shun me!"
There was a moment's dreadful pause, which the young man was unable to
break.
"Was I not right in saying my love would be fatal to you?" continued
Alizon. "Fly from me while you can, Richard. Fly from this house, or you
are lost for ever!"
"Never, never! I will not stir without you," cried Richard. "Come with
me, and escape all the dangers by which you are menaced, and leave your
sinning parent to the doom she so richly merits."
"No, no; sinful though she be, she is still my mother. I cannot leave
her," cried Alizon.
"If you stay, I stay, be the consequences what they may," replied the
young man; "but you have rendered my arm powerless by what you have told
me. How can I defend one whom I know to be guilty?"
"Therefore I urge you to fly," she rejoined.
"I can reconcile myself to it thus," said Richard--"in defending you,
whom I know to be innocent, I cannot avoid defending her. The plea is
not a good one, but it will suffice to allay my scruples of conscience."
At this moment Mistress Nutter entered the hall, followed by Blackadder
and three other men, armed with calivers.
"All is ready, Richard," she said, "and it wants but a few minutes of
the appointed time. Perhaps you shrink from the task you have
undertaken?" she added, regarding him sharply; "if so, say so at once,
and I will adopt my own line of defence."
"Nay, I shall be ready to go forth in a moment," rejoined the young man,
glancing at Alizon. "Where is Nicholas?"
"Here," replied the squire, clapping him on the shoulder. "All is secure
at the back of the house, and the horses are coming round. We must mount
at once."
Richard arose without a word.
"Blackadder will attend to your orders," said Mistress Nutter; "he only
waits a sign from you to issue forth with his three companions, or to
fire through the windows upon the aggressors, if you see occasion for
it."
"I trust it will not come to such a pass," rejoined the squire; "a few
blows from these weapons will convince them we are in earnest, and will,
I hope, save further trouble."
And as he spoke he took down a couple of stout staves, and gave one of
them to Richard.
"Farewell, then, _preux chevaliers_" cried Mistress Nutter, with
affected gaiety; "demean yourselves valiantly, and remember that bright
eyes will be upon you. Now, Alizon, to our chamber."
Richard did not hazard a look at the young girl as she quitted the hall
with her mother, but followed the squire mechanically into the garden,
where they found the horses. Scarcely were they mounted than a loud
hubbub, arising from the little village, proclaimed that their opponents
had arrived, and presently after a large company of horse and foot
appeared at the gate.
At sight of the large force brought against them, the countenance of the
squire lost its confident and jovial expression. Pie counted nearly
forty men, each of whom was armed in some way or other, and began to
fear the affair would terminate awkwardly, and entail unpleasant
consequences upon himself and his cousin. He was, therefore, by no means
at his ease. As to Richard, he did not dare to ask himself how things
would end, neither did he know how to act. His mind was in utter
confusion, and his breast oppressed as if by a nightmare. He cast one
look towards the upper window, and beheld at it the white face of
Mistress Nutter, intently gazing at what was going forward, but Alizon
was not to be seen.
Within the last half hour the sky had darkened, and a heavy cloud hung
over the house, threatening a storm. Richard hoped it would come on
fiercely and fast.
Meanwhile, Roger Newell had dismounted and advanced to the gate.
"Gentlemen," he cried, addressing the two Asshetons, "I expected to find
free access given to me and my followers; but as these gates are still
barred against me, I call upon you, as loyal subjects of the King, not
to resist or impede the course of law, but to throw them instantly
open."
"You must unbar them yourself, Master Nowell," replied Nicholas. "We
shall give you no help."
"Nor offer any opposition, I hope, sir?" said the magistrate, sternly.
"You are twenty to one, or thereabout," returned the squire, with a
laugh; "we shall stand a poor chance with you."
"But other defensive and offensive preparations have been made, I doubt
not," said Nowell; "nay, I descry some armed men through the windows of
the hall. Before coming to extremities, I will make a last appeal to you
and your kinsman. I have granted Mistress Nutter and the girl with her
an hour's delay, in the hope that, seeing the futility of resistance,
they would quietly surrender. But I find my clemency thrown away, and
undue advantage taken of the time allowed for respite; therefore, I
shall show them no further consideration. But to you, my friends, I
would offer a last warning. Forget not that you are acting in direct
opposition to the law; that we are here armed with full authority and
power to carry out our intentions; and that all opposition on your part
will be fruitless, and will be visited upon you hereafter with severe
pains and penalties. Forget not, also, that your characters will be
irrecoverably damaged from your connexion with parties charged with the
heinous offence of witchcraft. Meddle not, therefore, in the matter, but
go your ways, or, if you would act as best becomes you, aid me in the
arrest of the offenders."
"Master Roger Nowell," replied Nicholas, walking his horse slowly
towards the gate, "as you have given me a caution, I will give you one
in return; and that is, to put a bridle on your tongue when you address
gentlemen, or, by my fay, you are likely to get answers little to your
taste. You have said that our characters are likely to suffer in this
transaction, but, in my humble opinion, they will not suffer so much as
your own. The magistrate who uses the arm of the law for purposes of
private vengeance, and who brings a false and foul charge against his
enemy, knowing that it cannot be repelled, is not entitled to any
particular respect or honour. Thus have you acted towards Mistress
Nutter. Defeated by her in the boundary question, without leaving its
decision to those to whom you had referred it, you instantly accuse her
of witchcraft, and seek to destroy her, as well as an innocent and
unoffending girl, by whom she is attended. Is such conduct worthy of
you, or likely to redound to your credit? I think not. But this is not
all. Aided by your crafty and unscrupulous ally, Master Potts, you get
together a number of Mistress Nutter's tenants, and, by threats and
misrepresentations, induce them to become instruments of your vengeance.
But when these misguided men come to know the truth of the case--when
they learn that you have no proofs whatever against Mistress Nutter, and
that you are influenced solely by animosity to her, they are quite as
likely to desert you as to stand by you. At all events, we are
determined to resist this unjust arrest, and, at the hazard of our
lives, to oppose your entrance into the house."
Nowell and Potts were greatly exasperated by this speech, but they were
little prepared for its consequences. Many of those who had been induced
to accompany them, as has been shown, wavered in their resolution of
acting against Mistress Nutter, but they now began to declare in her
favour. In vain Potts repeated all his former arguments. They were no
longer of any avail. Of the troop assembled at the gate more than half
marched off, and shaped their course towards the rear of the house--with
what intention it was easy to surmise--while of those who remained it
was very doubtful whether the whole of them would act.
The result of his oration was quite as surprising to Nicholas as to his
opponents, and, enchanted by the effect of his eloquence, he could not
help glancing up at the window, where he perceived Mistress Nutter,
whose smiles showed that she was equally well pleased.
Seeing that, if any further desertions took place, his chances would be
at an end, with a menacing gesture at the squire, Roger Nowell ordered
the attack to commence immediately.
While some of his men, amongst whom were Baldwyn and old Mitton,
battered against the gate with stones, another party, headed by Potts,
scaled the walls, which, though of considerable height, presented no
very serious obstacles in the way of active assailants. Elevated on the
shoulders of Sparshot, Potts was soon on the summit of the wall, and was
about to drop into the garden, when he heard a sound that caused him to
suspend his intention.
"What are you about to do, cousin Nicholas?" inquired Richard, as the
word of assault was given by the magistrate.
"Let loose Mistress Nutter's stag-hounds upon them," replied the squire.
"They are kept in leash by a varlet stationed behind yon yew-tree hedge,
who only awaits my signal to let them slip; and by my faith it is time
he had it."
As he spoke, he applied a dog-whistle to his lips, and, blowing a loud
call, it was immediately answered by a savage barking, and half a dozen
hounds, rough-haired, of prodigious size and power, resembling in make,
colour, and ferocity, the Irish wolf-hound bounded towards him.
"Aha!" exclaimed Nicholas, clapping his hands to encourage them: "we
could have dispersed the whole rout with these assistants. Hyke,
Tristam!--hyke, Hubert! Upon them!--upon them!"
It was the savage barking of the hounds that had caught the ears of the
alarmed attorney, and made him desirous to scramble back again. But this
was no such easy matter. Sparshot's broad shoulders were wanting to
place his feet upon, and while he was bruising his knees against the
roughened sides of the wall in vain attempts to raise himself to the top
of it unaided, Hubert's sharp teeth met in the calf of his leg, while
those of Tristam were fixed in the skirts of his doublet, and penetrated
deeply into the flesh that filled it. A terrific yell proclaimed the
attorney's anguish and alarm, and he redoubled his efforts to escape.
But, if before it was difficult to get up, the feat was now impossible.
All he could do was to cling with desperate tenacity to the coping of
the wall, for he made no doubt, if dragged down, he should be torn in
pieces. Roaring lustily for help, he besought Nicholas to have
compassion upon him; but the squire appeared little moved by his
distress, and laughed heartily at his yells and vociferations.
"You will not come again on a like errand, in a hurry, I fancy Master
Potts," he said.
"I will not, good Master Nicholas," rejoined Potts; "for pity's sake
call off these infernal hounds. They will rend me asunder as they would
a fox."
"You were a cunning fox, in good sooth, to come hither," rejoined
Nicholas, in a taunting tone; "but will you go hence if I liberate you?"
"I will--indeed I will!" replied Potts.
"And will no more molest Mistress Nutter?" thundered Nicholas.
"Take heed what you promise," roared Nowell from the other side of the
wall.
"If you do _not_ promise it, the hounds shall pull you down, and make a
meal of you!" cried Nicholas.
"I do--I swear--whatever you desire!" cried the terrified attorney.
The hounds were then called off by the squire, and, nerved by fright,
Potts sprang upon the wall, and tumbled over it upon the other side,
alighting upon the head of his respected and singular good client, whom
he brought to the ground.
Meanwhile, all those unlucky persons who had succeeded in scaling the
wall were attacked by the hounds, and, unable to stand against them,
were chased round the garden, to the infinite amusement of the squire.
Frightened to death, and unable otherwise to escape, for the gate
allowed them no means of exit, the poor wretches fled towards the
terrace overlooking Pendle Water, and, leaping into the stream, gained
the opposite bank. There they were safe, for the hounds were not allowed
to follow them further. In this way the garden was completely cleared of
the enemy, and Nicholas and Richard were left masters of the field.
Leaning out of the window, Mistress Nutter laughingly congratulated them
on their success, and, as no further disposition was manifested on the
part of Nowell and such of his troop that remained to renew the attack,
the contest, for the present at least, was supposed to be at an end.
By this time, also, intimation had been conveyed by the deserters from
Nowell's troop, who, it will be remembered, had made their way to the
back of the premises, that they were anxious to offer their services to
Mistress Nutter; and, as soon as this was told her, she ordered them to
be admitted, and descended to give them welcome. Thus things wore a
promising aspect for the besieged, while the assailing party were
proportionately disheartened.
Long ere this, Baldwyn and old Mitton had desisted from their attempts
to break open the gate, and, indeed, rejoiced that such a barrier was
interposed between them and the hounds, whose furious onslaughts they
witnessed. A bolt was launched against these four-footed guardians of
the premises by the bearer of the crossbow, but the man proved but an
indifferent marksman, for, instead of hitting the hound, he disabled one
of his companions who was battling with him. Finding things in this
state, and that neither Nowell nor Potts returned to their charge, while
their followers were withdrawn from before the gate, Nicholas thought he
might fairly infer that a victory had been obtained. But, like a prudent
leader, he did not choose to expose himself till the enemy had
absolutely yielded, and he therefore signed to Blackadder and his men to
come forth from the hall. The order was obeyed, not only by them, but by
the seceders from the hostile troop, and some thirty men issued from the
principal door, and, ranging themselves upon the lawn, set up a
deafening and triumphant shout, very different from that raised by the
same individuals when under the command of Nowell. At the same moment
Mistress Nutter and Alizon appeared at the door, and at the sight of
them the shouting was renewed.
The unexpected turn in affairs had not been without its effect upon
Richard and Alizon, and tended to revive the spirits of both. The
immediate danger by which they were threatened had vanished, and time
was given for the consideration of new plans. Richard had been firmly
resolved to take no further part in the affray than should be required
for the protection of Alizon, and, consequently, it was no little
satisfaction to him to reflect that the victory had been accomplished
without him, and by means which could not afterwards be questioned.
Meanwhile, Mistress Nutter had joined Nicholas, and the gates being
unbarred by Blackadder, they passed through them. At a little distance
stood Roger Nowell, now altogether abandoned, except by his own
immediate followers, with Baldwyn and old Mitton. Poor Potts was lying
on the ground, piteously bemoaning the lacerations his skin had
undergone.
"Well, you have got the worst of it, Master Nowell," said Nicholas, as
he and Mistress Nutter approached the discomfited magistrate, "and must
own yourself fairly defeated."
"Defeated as I am, I would rather be in my place than in yours, sir,"
retorted Nowell, sourly.
"You have had a wholesome lesson read you, Master Nowell," said Mistress
Nutter; "but I do not come hither to taunt you. I am quite satisfied
with the victory I have obtained, and am anxious to put an end to the
misunderstanding between us."
"I have no misunderstanding with you, madam," replied Nowell; "I do not
quarrel with persons like you. But be assured, though you may escape
now, a day of reckoning will come."
"Your chief cause of grievance against me, I am aware," replied Mistress
Nutter, calmly, "is, that I have beaten you in the matter of the land.
Now, I have a proposal to make to you respecting it."
"I cannot listen to it," rejoined Nowell, sternly; "I can have no
dealings with a witch."
At this moment his cloak was plucked behind by Potts, who looked at him
as much as to say, "Do not exasperate her. Hear what she has got to
offer."
"I shall be happy to act as mediator between you, if possible," observed
Nicholas; "but in that case I must request you, Master Nowell, to
abstain from any offensive language."
"What is it you have to propose to me, then, madam!" demanded the
magistrate, gruffly.
"Come with me into the house, and you shall hear," replied Mistress
Nutter.
Nowell was about to refuse peremptorily, when his cloak was again
plucked by Potts, who whispered him to go.
"This is not a snare laid to entrap me, madam?" he said, regarding the
lady suspiciously.
"I will answer for her good faith," interposed Nicholas.
Nowell still hesitated, but the counsel of his legal adviser was
enforced by a heavy shower of rain, which just then began to descend
upon them.
"You can take shelter beneath my roof," said Mistress Nutter; "and
before the shower is over we can settle the matter."
"And my wounds can be dressed at the same time," said Potts, with a
groan, "for they pain me sorely."
"Blackadder has a sovereign balsam, which, with a patch or two of
diachylon, will make all right," replied Nicholas, unable to repress a
laugh. "Here, lift him up between you," he added to the grooms, "and
convey him into the house."
The orders were obeyed, and Mistress Nutter led the way through the now
wide-opened gates; her slow and majestic march by no means accelerated
by the drenching shower. What Roger Nowell's sensations were at
following her in such a way, after his previous threats and boastings,
may be easily conceived.