ran brawling on in a wider, but shallower channel,
making pleasant music as it went, and leaving many
dry beds of sand and gravel in the midst; while a hundred
yards lower down, it was crossed by the arches of
the bridge. Further still, a row of tall cypresses
lined the bank of the river, and screened that part
of the Abbey, converted into a residence by the Asshetons;
and after this came the ruins of the refectory, the
cloisters, the dormitory, the conventual church, and
other parts of the venerable structure, overshadowed
by noble lime-trees and elms. Lovelier or more
peaceful scene could not be imagined. The green
meads, the bright clear stream, with its white foaming
weir, the woody heights reflected in the glassy waters,
the picturesque old bridge, and the dark grey ruins
beyond it, all might have engaged the attention and
melted the heart. Then the hour, when evening
was coming on, and when each beautiful object, deriving
new beauty from the medium through which it was viewed,
exercised a softening influence, and awakened kindly
emotions. To most the scene was familiar, and
therefore could have no charm of novelty. To
Potts, however, it was altogether new; but he was susceptible
of few gentle impressions, and neither the tender
beauty of the evening, nor the wooing loveliness of
the spot, awakened any responsive emotion in his breast.
He was dead to every thing except the ruthless experiment
about to be made.
Almost at the same time that Jem Device and his party
reached the near bank of the stream, the beadle and
the others appeared on the opposite side. Little
was said, but instant preparations were made for the
ordeal. Two long coils of rope having been brought
by Baggiley, one of them was made fast to the right
arm of the victim, and the other to the left; and
this done, Jem Device, shouting to Sparshot to look
out, flung one coil of rope across the river, where
it was caught with much dexterity by the beadle.
The assemblage then spread out on the bank, while
Jem, taking the poor young woman in his arms, who neither
spoke nor struggled, but held her breath tightly,
approached the river.
“Dunna drown her, Jem,” said Jennet, who
had turned very pale.
“Be quiet, wench,” rejoined Jem, gruffly.
And without bestowing further attention upon her,
he let down his burden carefully into the water; and
this achieved, he called out to the beadle, who drew
her slowly towards him, while Jem guided her with the
other rope.
The crowd watched the experiment for a few moments
in profound silence, but as the poor young woman,
who had now reached the centre of the stream, still
floated, being supported either by the tension of the
cords, or by her woollen apparel, a loud shout was
raised that she could not sink, and was, therefore,
an undeniable witch.