“Quick, quick, and let’s see,” cried Potts; “justice must not be thwarted in this shameful manner.”

While the greater part of the crowd set off after Potts and the beadle, Richard Assheton, anxious to know what had become of the fugitive, and determined not to abandon her while any danger existed, unlocked the church-door, and entered the holy structure, followed by Nicholas.  On looking around, Nance was nowhere to be seen, neither did she answer to his repeated calls, and Richard concluded she must have escaped, when all at once a loud exulting shout was heard without, leaving no doubt that the poor young woman had again fallen into the hands of her captors.  The next moment a sharp, piercing scream in a female key confirmed the supposition.  On hearing this cry, Richard instantly flew to the opposite door, through which Nance must have passed, but on trying it he found it fastened outside; and filled with sudden misgiving, for he now recollected leaving the key in the other door, he called to Nicholas to come with him, and hurried back to it.  His apprehensions were verified; the door was locked.  At first Nicholas was inclined to laugh at the trick played them; but a single look from Richard checked his tendency to merriment, and he followed his young relative, who had sprung to a window looking upon that part of the churchyard whence the shouts came, and flung it open.  Richard’s egress, however, was prevented by an iron bar, and he called out loudly and fiercely to the beadle, whom he saw standing in the midst of the crowd, to unlock the door.

“Have a little patience, good Master Richard,” replied Potts, turning up his provoking little visage, now charged with triumphant malice.  “You shall come out presently.  We are busy just now—­engaged in binding the witch, as you see.  Both keys are safely in my pocket, and I will send you one of them when we start for the river, good Master Richard.  We lawyers are not to be overreached you see—­ha! ha!”

“You shall repent this conduct when I do get out,” cried Richard, furiously.  “Sparshot, I command you to bring the key instantly.”

But, encouraged by the attorney, the beadle affected not to hear Richard’s angry vociferations, and the others were unable to aid the young man, if they had been so disposed, and all were too much interested in what was going forward to run off to the vicarage, and acquaint Sir Ralph with the circumstances in which his relatives were placed, even though enjoined to do so.

On being set free by Richard, Nance had flown quickly through the church, and passed out at the side door, and was making good her retreat at the back of the edifice, when her flying figure was descried by Jem Device, who, failing in his first attempt, had run round that way, fancying he should catch her.

He instantly dashed after her with all the fury of a bloodhound, and, being possessed of remarkable activity, speedily overtook her, and, heedless of her threats and entreaties, secured her.