“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.