“We have wasted time enough in this unprofitable talk,” said Mistress Nutter, abruptly quitting them without bestowing the slightest salutation on Potts.

“I was but jesting in what I said just now, good Master Nicholas,” observed the little lawyer, nowise disconcerted at the slight “though they were the king’s exact words I quoted.  No one would suspect you of being a wizard—­ha!—­ha!  But I am resolved to prosecute the search, and I calculate upon your aid, and that of Master Richard Assheton, who goes with us.”

“You shall have mine, at all events, Master Potts,” replied Nicholas; “and I doubt not, my cousin Dick’s, too.”

“Our May Queen, Alizon Device, is Mother Demdike’s grand-daughter, is she not?” asked Potts, after a moment’s reflection.

“Ay, why do you ask?” demanded Nicholas.

“For a good and sufficing reason,” replied Potts.  “She might be an important witness; for, as King James saith, ’bairns or wives may, of our law, serve for sufficient witnesses and proofs.’  And he goeth on to say, ’For who but witches can be proofs, and so witnesses of the doings of witches?’”

“You do not mean to aver that Alizon Device is a witch, sir?” cried Nicholas, sharply.

“I aver nothing,” replied Potts; “but, as a relative of a suspected witch, she will be the best witness against her.”

“If you design to meddle with Alizon Device, expect no assistance from me, Master Potts,” said Nicholas, sternly, “but rather the contrary.”

“Nay, I but threw out the hint, good Master Nicholas,” replied Potts.  “Another witness will do equally well.  There are other children, no doubt.  I rely on you, sir—­I rely on you.  I shall now go in search of Master Nowell, and obtain the warrant and the constable.”

“And I shall go keep my appointment with Parson Dewhurst, at the Abbey,” said Nicholas, bowing slightly to the attorney, and taking his departure.

“It will not do to alarm him at present,” said Potts, looking after him, “but I’ll have that girl as a witness, and I know how to terrify her into compliance.  A singular woman, that Mistress Alice Nutter.  I must inquire into her history.  Odd, how obstinately she set her face against witchcraft.  And yet she lives at Rough Lee, in the very heart of a witch district, for such Master Nicholas Assheton calls this Pendle Forest.  I shouldn’t wonder if she has dealings with the old hags she defends—­Mother Demdike and Mother Chattox.  Chattox!  Lord bless us, what a name!—­There’s caldron and broomstick in the very sound!  And Demdike is little better.  Both seem of diabolical invention.  If I can unearth a pack of witches, I shall gain much credit from my honourable good lords the judges of assize in these northern parts, besides pleasing the King himself, who is sure to hear of it, and reward my praiseworthy zeal.  Look to yourself, Mistress Nutter, and take care you are not caught tripping.  And now, for Master Roger Nowell.”