“No criminal, however great, is out of the pale of Christian charity,” replied Richard; “but such scenes as we have just witnessed are a disgrace to humanity, and a mockery of justice.  In seeking to discover and punish one offence, a greater is committed.  Suppose this poor young woman really guilty—­what then?  Our laws are made for protection, as well as punishment of wrong.  She should he arraigned, convicted, and condemned before punishment.”

“Our laws admit of torture, Richard,” observed Nicholas.

“True,” said the young man, with a shudder, “and it is another relic of a ruthless age.  But torture is only allowed under the eye of the law, and can be inflicted by none but its sworn servants.  But, supposing this poor young woman innocent of the crime imputed to her, which I really believe her to be, how, then, will you excuse the atrocities to which she has been subjected?”

“I do not believe her innocent,” rejoined Nicholas; “her relationship to a notorious witch, and her fabrication of clay images, make her justly suspected.”

“Then let her be examined by a magistrate,” said Richard; “but, even then, woe betide her!  When I think that Alizon Device is liable to the same atrocious treatment, in consequence of her relationship to Mother Demdike, I can scarce contain my indignation.”

“It is unlucky for her, indeed,” rejoined Nicholas; “but of all Nance’s assailants the most infuriated was Alizon’s brother, Jem Device.”

“I saw it,” cried Richard—­an uneasy expression passing over his countenance.  “Would she could be removed from that family!”

“To what purpose?” demanded Nicholas, quickly.  “Her family are more likely to be removed from her if Master Potts stay in the neighbourhood.”

“Poor girl!” exclaimed Richard.

And he fell into a reverie which was not broken till they reached the Abbey.

To return to Jem Device.  On reaching the cottage, the ruffian flung himself into a chair, and for a time seemed lost in reflection.  At last he looked up, and said gruffly to Jennet, who stood watching him, “See if mother be come whoam?”

“Eigh, eigh, ey’m here, Jem,” said Elizabeth Device, opening the inner door and coming forth.  “So, ye ha been swimmin’ Nance Redferne, lad, eh!  Ey’m glad on it—­ha! ha!”

Jem gave her a significant look, upon which she motioned Jennet to withdraw, and the injunction being complied with, though with evident reluctance, by the little girl, she closed the door upon her.

“Now, Jem, what hast got to say to me, lad, eh?” demanded Elizabeth, stepping up to him.

“Neaw great deal, mother,” he replied; “boh ey keawnsel ye to look weel efter yersel.  We’re aw i’ dawnger.”

“Ey knoas it, lad, ey knoas it,” replied Elizabeth; “boh fo my own pert ey’m nah afeerd.  They darna touch me; an’ if they dun, ey con defend mysel reet weel.  Here’s a letter to thy gran-mother,” she added, giving him a sealed packet.  “Take care on it.”