“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