“Why, dost mean to deny that she is a witch?” demanded Metcalfe.

“Nay, if your worship will have it so, it is not for me to contradict you,” replied Blackadder.

“But I ask thee is she not a servant of Satan?—­dost thou not know it?—­canst thou not prove it?” cried the knight.  “Shall we put him to the torture to make him confess?”

“Ay, tie his thumbs together till the blood burst forth, Sir Thomas,” said Gauntlet.

“Or hang him up to yon beam by the heels,” suggested Captain Storks.

“On no account,” interposed Holden.  “I did not bring him hither to be dealt with in this way, and I will not permit it.  If torture is to be administered it must be by the hands of justice, into which I require him to be delivered; and then, if he can testify aught against his mistress, he will be made to do it.”

“Torture shall never wring a word from me, whether wrongfully or rightfully applied,” said Blackadder, doggedly; “though I could tell much if I chose.  Now give heed to me, Sir Thomas.  You will never take Rough Lee, still less its mistress, without my help.”

“What are thy terms, knave?” exclaimed the knight, pondering upon the offer.  “And take heed thou triflest not with me, or I will have thee flogged within an inch of thy life, in spite of parson or justice.  What are thy terms, I repeat?”

“They are for your worship’s ear alone,” replied Blackadder.

“Beware what you do, Sir Thomas,” interposed Holden.  “I hold it my duty to tell you, you are compromising justice in listening to the base proposals of this man, who, while offering to betray his mistress, will assuredly deceive you.  You will equally deceive him in feigning to agree to terms which you cannot fulfil.”

“Cannot fulfil!” ejaculated the knight, highly offended; “I would have you to know, sir, that Sir Thomas Metcalfe’s word is his bond, and that whatsoever he promises he will fulfil in spite of the devil!  Body o’ me! but for the respect I owe your cloth, I would give you a very different answer, reverend sir.  But since you have chosen to thrust yourself unasked into the affair, I take leave to say that I will hear this knave’s proposals, and judge for myself of the expediency of acceding to them.  I must pray you therefore, to withdraw.  Nay, if you will not go hence peaceably, you shall perforce.  Take him away, gentlemen.”

Thus enjoined, the Alsatian captains took each an arm of the rector, and forced him out of the room, leaving Sir Thomas alone with the prisoner.  Greatly incensed at the treatment he had experienced, Holden instantly quitted the house, hastened to the rectory, which adjoined the church, and having given some messages to his household, rode off to Whalley, with the intention of acquainting Sir Ralph Assheton with all that had occurred.