“Out of my way, Chattox!” she vociferated—­“out of my way, or I will drive my knife to thy heart.”  And as her old antagonist maintained her ground, she unhesitatingly advanced upon her, smote her with the weapon, and, as she fell to the ground, stepped over her bleeding body.

“Now what dost thou here, Alice Nutter?” she cried, menacing her with the reeking blade.

“I am come for my child, whom thou hast stolen from me,” replied the lady.

“Thou art come to witness her slaughter,” replied the witch, fiercely.  “Begone, or I will serve thee as I have just served old Chattox.”

“I am not sped yet,” cried the wounded hag; “I shall live to see thee bound hand and foot by the officers of justice, and, certain thou wilt perish miserably, I shall die content.”

“Spit out thy last drops of venom, black viper,” rejoined Mother Demdike; “when I have done with the others, I will return and finish thee.  Alice Nutter, thou knowest it is vain to struggle with me.  Give me up the girl.”

“Wilt thou accept my life for hers?” said Mistress Nutter.

“Of what account would thy life be to me?” rejoined Mother Demdike, disdainfully.  “If it would profit me to take it, I would do so without thy consent, but I am about to make an oblation to our master, and thou art his already.  Snatch her child from her—­we waste time,” she added, to her attendants.

And immediately the weird crew rushed forward, and in spite of the miserable mother’s efforts tore Alizon from her.

“I told you it was in vain to contend with me,” said Mother Demdike.

“Oh, that I could call down heaven’s vengeance upon thy accursed head!” cried Mistress Nutter; “but I am forsaken alike of God and man, and shall die despairing.”

“Rave on, thou wilt have ample leisure,” replied the hag.  “And now bring the girl this way,” she added to the beldames; “the sacrifice must be made near the beacon.”

And as Alizon was borne away, Mistress Nutter uttered a cry of anguish.

“Do not stay here,” said Mother Chattox, raising herself with difficulty.  “Go after her; you may yet save your daughter.”

“But how?” cried Mistress Nutter, distractedly.  “I have no power now.”

As she spoke a dusky form rose up beside her.  It was her familiar.

“Will you return to your duty if I help you in this extremity?” he said.

“Ay, do, do!” cried Mother Chattox.  “Anything to avenge yourself upon that murtherous hag.”

“Peace!” cried the familiar, spurning her with his cloven foot.

“I do not want vengeance,” said Mistress Nutter; “I only want to save my child.”

“Then you consent on that condition?” said the familiar.

“No!” replied Mistress Nutter, firmly.  “I now perceive I am not utterly lost, since you try to regain me.  I have renounced thy master, and will make no new bargain with him.  Get hence, tempter!”