The Lancashire Witches by William Harrison Ainsworth

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Allusion was then made to Mistress Nutter, whereupon it was observed
that the squire changed the conversation quickly; while sundry sly winks
and shrugs were exchanged among the varlets of the kennel, seeming to
intimate that they knew more about the matter than they cared to admit.
Nothing more, however, was elicited than that the escort conducting her
to Lancaster Castle, together with the other witches, after their
examination before the magistrates at Whalley, and committal, had been
attacked, while it was passing through a woody defile in Bowland Forest,
by a party of men in the garb of foresters, and the lady set free. Nor
had she been heard of since. What made this rescue the more
extraordinary was, that none of the other witches were liberated at the
same time, but some of them who seemed disposed to take advantage of the
favourable interposition, and endeavoured to get away, were brought back
by the foresters to the officers of justice; thus clearly proving that
the attempt was solely made on Mistress Nutter's account, and must have
been undertaken by her friends. Nothing, it was asserted, could equal
the rage and mortification of Roger Nowell and Potts, on learning that
their chief prey had thus escaped them; and by their directions, for
more than a week, the strictest search was made for the fugitive
throughout the neighbourhood, but without effect--no clue could be
discovered to her retreat. Suspicion naturally fell upon the two
Asshetons, Nicholas and Richard, and Roger Nowell roundly taxed them
with contriving and executing the enterprise in person; while Potts told
them they were guilty of misprision of felony, and threatened them with
imprisonment for life, forfeiture of goods and of rents, for the
offence; but as the charge could not be proved against them,
notwithstanding all the efforts of the magistrate and attorney, it fell
to the ground; and Master Potts, full of chagrin at this unexpected and
vexatious termination of the affair, returned to London, and settled
himself in his chambers in Chancery Lane. His duties, however, as clerk
of the court, would necessarily call him to Lancaster in August, when
the assizes commenced, and when he would assist at the trials of such of
the witches as were still in durance.

From Mother Demdike it was natural that the conversation should turn to
her weird retreat, Malkin Tower; and Richard Sherborne expressed his
surprise that the unhallowed structure should be suffered to remain
standing after her removal. Nicholas said he was equally anxious with
his brother-in-law for its demolition, but it was not so easily to be
accomplished as it might appear; for the deserted structure was in such
ill repute with the common folk, as well as every one else, that no one
dared approach it, even in the daytime. A boggart, it was said, had
taken possession of its vaults, and scared away all who ventured near
it; sometimes showing himself in one frightful shape, and sometimes in
another; now as a monstrous goat, now as an equally monstrous cat,
uttering fearful cries, glaring with fiery eyes from out of the windows,
or appearing in all his terror on the summit of the tower. Moreover, the
haunted structure was frequently lighted up at dead of night, strains of
unearthly music were heard resounding from it, and wild figures were
seen flitting past the windows, as if engaged in dancing and revelry; so
that it appeared that no alteration for the better had taken place
there, and that things were still quite as improperly conducted now, as
they had been in the time of Mother Demdike, or in those of her
predecessors, Isole de Heton and Blackburn, the robber. The common
opinion was, that Satan and all his imps had taken up their abode in the
tower, and, as they liked their quarters, led a jolly life there,
dancing and drinking all night long, it would be useless at present to
give them notice to quit, still less to attempt to pull down the house
about their ears. Richard Sherborne heard this wondrous relation in
silence, but with a look of incredulity; and when it was done he winked
slily at his brother-in-law. A strange expression, half comical, half
suspicious, might also have been observed on Fogg's countenance; and he
narrowly watched the squire as the latter spoke.

"But with the disappearance of the malignant old hags who had so long
infested the neighbourhood, had all mischief and calamity ceased, or
were people as much afflicted as heretofore? Were there, in short, so
many cases of witchcraft, real or supposed?" This was the question next
addressed by Sherborne to Nicholas. The squire answered decidedly there
were not. Since the burning of the two old beldames, and the
imprisonment of the others, the whole district of Pendle had improved.
All those who had been smitten with strange illnesses had recovered; and
the inhabitants of the little village of Sabden, who had experienced the
fullest effects of their malignity, were entirely free from sickness.
And not only had they and their families suddenly regained health and
strength, but all belonging to them had undergone a similar beneficial
change. The kine that had lost their milk now yielded it abundantly; the
lame horse halted no longer; the murrain ceased among the sheep; the
pigs that had grown lean amidst abundance fattened rapidly; and though
the farrows that had perished during the evil ascendency of the witches
could not be brought back again, their place promised speedily to be
supplied by others. The corn blighted early in the year had sprung forth
anew, and the trees nipped in the bud were laden with fruit. In short,
all was as fair and as flourishing as it had recently been the reverse.
Amongst others, John Law, the pedlar, who had been deprived of the use
of his limbs by the damnable arts of Mother Demdike, had marvellously
recovered on the very night of her destruction, and was now as strong
and as active as ever. "Such happy results having followed the removal
of the witches, it was to be hoped," Sherborne said, "that the riddance
would be complete, and that none of the obnoxious brood would be left to
inflict future miseries on their fellows. This could not be the case so
long as James Device was allowed to go at large; nor while his mother,
Elizabeth Device, a notorious witch, was suffered to escape with
impunity. There was also Jennet, Elizabeth's daughter, a mischievous and
ill-favoured little creature, who inherited all the ill qualities of her
parents. These were the spawn of the old snake, and, until they were
entirely exterminated, there could be no security against a recurrence
of the evil. Again, there was Nance Redferne, old Chattox's
grand-daughter, a comely woman enough, but a reputed witch, and an
undoubted fabricator of clay images. She was still at liberty, though
she ought to be with the rest in the dungeons of Lancaster Castle. It
was useless to allege that with the destruction of the old hags all
danger had ceased. Common prudence would keep the others quiet now; but
the moment the storm passed over, they would resume their atrocious
practices, and all would be as bad as ever. No, no! the tree must be
utterly uprooted, or it would inevitably burst forth anew."

With these opinions Nicholas generally concurred; but he expressed some
sympathy for Nance Redferne, whom he thought far too good-looking to be
as wicked and malicious as represented. But however that might be, and
however much he might desire to get rid of the family of the Devices, he
feared such a step might be attended with danger to Alizon, and that she
might in some way or other be implicated with them. This last remark he
addressed in an under-tone to his brother-in-law. Sherborne did not at
first feel any apprehension on that score, but, on reflection, he
admitted that Nicholas was perhaps right; and though Alizon was now the
recognised daughter of Mistress Nutter, yet her long and intimate
connection with the Device family might operate to her prejudice, while
her near relationship to an avowed witch would not tend to remove the
unfavourable impression. Sherborne then went on to speak in the most
rapturous terms of the beauty and goodness of the young girl who formed
the subject of their conversation, and declared he was not in the least
surprised that Richard Assheton was so much in love with her. And yet,
he added, a most extraordinary change had taken place in her since the
dreadful night on Pendle Hill, when her mother's guilt had been
proclaimed, and when her arrest had taken place as an offender of the
darkest dye. Alizon, he said, had lost none of her beauty, but her light
and joyous expression of countenance had been supplanted by a look of
profound sadness, which nothing could remove. Gentle and meek in her
deportment, she seemed to look upon herself as under a ban, and as if
she were unfit to associate with the rest of the world. In vain Richard
Assheton and his sister endeavoured to remove this impression by the
tenderest assiduities; in vain they sought to induce her to enter into
amusements consistent with her years; she declined all society but their
own, and passed the greater part of her time in prayer. Sherborne had
seen her so engaged, and the expression of her countenance, he declared,
was seraphic.

On the extreme verge of a high bank situated at the point of junction
between Swanside Beck and the Ribble, stood an old, decayed oak. Little
of the once mighty tree beyond the gnarled trunk was left, and this was
completely hollow; while there was a great rift near the bottom through
which a man might easily creep, and, when once in, stand erect without
inconvenience. Beneath the bank the river was deep and still, forming a
pool, where the largest and fattest fish were to be met with. In
addition to this, the spot was extremely secluded, being rarely visited
by the angler on account of the thick copse by which it was surrounded
and which extended along the back, from the point of confluence between
the lesser and the larger stream, to Downham mill, nearly half a mile
distant.

The sides of the Ribble were here, as elsewhere, beautifully wooded, and
as the clear stream winded along through banks of every diversity of
shape and character, and covered by forest trees of every description,
and of the most luxuriant growth, the effect was enchanting; the more
so, that the sun, having now risen high in the heavens, poured down a
flood of summer heat and radiance, that rendered these cool shades
inexpressibly delightful. Pleasant was it, as the huntsmen leaped from
stone to stone, to listen to the sound of the waters rushing past them.
Pleasant as they sprang upon some green holm or fairy islet, standing in
the midst of the stream, and dividing its lucid waters, to suffer the
eye to follow the course of the rapid current, and to see it here
sparkling in the bright sunshine, there plunged in shade by the
overhanging trees--now fringed with osiers and rushes, now embanked with
smoothest sward of emerald green; anon defended by steep rocks,
sometimes bold and bare, but more frequently clothed with timber; then
sinking down by one of those sudden but exquisite transitions, which
nature alone dares display, from this savage and sombre character into
the softest and gentlest expression; every where varied, yet every where
beautiful.

Through such scenes of silvan loveliness had the huntsmen passed on
their way to the hollow oak, and they had ample leisure to enjoy them,
because the squire and his brother-in-law being engaged in conversation,
as before related, made frequent pauses, and, during these, the others
halted likewise; and even the hounds, glad of a respite, stood still, or
amused themselves by splashing about amid the shallows without any
definite object unless of cooling themselves. Then, as the leaders once
more moved forward, arose the cheering shout, the loud deep bay, the
clattering of staves, the crashing of branches, and all the other
inspiriting noises accompanying the progress of the hunt. But for some
minutes these had again ceased, and as Nicholas and Sherborne lingered
beneath the shade of a wide-spread beech-tree growing on a sandy hillock
near the stream, and seemed deeply interested in their talk--as well
they might, for it related to Alizon--the whole troop, including Fogg,
held respectfully aloof, and awaited their pleasure to go on.

The signal to move was, at length, given by the squire, who saw they
were now not more than a hundred yards from the bank on which stood the
hollow tree they were anxious to reach. As the river here made a turn,
and swept round the point in question, forming, owing to this
detention, the deep pool previously mentioned, the bank almost faced
them, and, as nothing intervened, they could almost look into the rift
near the base of the tree, forming, they supposed, the entrance to the
otter's couch. But, though this was easily distinguished, no traces of
the predatory animal could be seen; and though many sharp eyes were
fixed upon the spot during the prolonged discourse of the two gentlemen,
nothing had occurred to attract their attention, and to prove that the
object of their quest was really there.

After some little consultation between the squire and Crouch, it was
agreed that the former should alone force his way to the tree, while the
others were to station themselves with the hounds at various points of
the stream, above and below the bank, so that, if the otter and her
litter escaped their first assailant, they should infallibly perish by
the hands of some of the others. This being agreed upon, the plan was
instantly put into execution--two of the varlets remaining where they
were--two going higher up; while Sherborne and Fogg stationed themselves
on great stones in the middle of the stream, whence they could command
all around them, and Crouch, wading on with Grip, planted himself at the
entrance of Swanside Beck into the Ribble.

Meanwhile, the squire having scaled the bank, entered the thick covert
encircling it, and, not without some damage to his face and hands from
the numerous thorns and brambles growing amongst it, forced his way
upwards until he reached the bare space surrounding the hollow tree; and
this attained, his first business was to ascertain that all was in
readiness below before commencing the attack. A glance showed him on one
side old Crouch standing up to his middle in the beck, grasping his long
otter spear, and with Grip beating the water in front of him in anxious
expectation of employment; and in front Fogg, Sherborne, and two of the
varlets, with their hounds so disposed that they could immediately
advance upon the otter if it plunged into the river, while its passage
up or down would be stopped by their comrades. All this he discerned at
a glance; and comprehending from a sign made him by the old huntsman
that he should not delay, he advanced towards the tree, and was about to
plunge his spear into the hole, hoping to transfix one at least of its
occupants, when he was startled by hearing a deep voice apparently issue
from the hollows of the timber, bidding him "Beware!"

Nicholas recoiled aghast, for he thought it might be Hobthurst, or the
demon of the wood, who thus bespoke him.

"What accursed thing addresses me?" he said, standing on his guard.
"What is it? Speak!"

"Get hence, Nicholas Assheton," replied the voice; "an' meddle not wi'
them os meddles not wi' thee."

"Aha!" exclaimed the squire, recovering courage, for he thought this
did not sound like the language of a demon. "I am known am I? Why should
I go hence, and at whose bidding?"

"Ask neaw questions, mon, boh ge," replied the voice, "or it shan be
warse fo' thee. Ey am the boggart o' th' clough, an' if theaw bringst me
out, ey'n tear thee i' pieces wi' my claws, an' cast thee into t'
Ribble, so that thine own hounts shan eat thee up."

"Ha! say'st thou so, master boggart," cried Nicholas. "For a spirit,
thou usest the vernacular of the county fairly enough. But before trying
whether thy hide be proof against mortal weapons I command thee to come
forth and declare thyself, that I may judge what manner of thing thou
art."

"Thoud'st best lem me be, ey tell thee," replied the boggart gruffly.

"Ah! methinks I should know those accents," exclaimed the squire; "they
marvellously resemble the voice of an offender who has too long evaded
justice, and whom I have now fairly entrapped. Jem Device, thou art
known, lad, and if thou dost not surrender at discretion, I will strike
my spear through this rotten tree, and spit thee as I would the beast I
came in quest of."

"An' which yo wad more easily than me," retorted Jem. And suddenly
springing from the hole at the foot of the tree, he passed between the
squire's legs with great promptitude, and flinging him face foremost
upon the ground, crawled to the edge of the bank, and thence dropped
into the deep pool below.

The plunge roused all the spectators, who, though they had heard what
had passed, and had seen the squire upset in the manner described, had
been so much astounded that they could render no assistance; but they
now, one and all, bestirred themselves actively to seize the diver when
he should rise to the surface. But though every eye was on the look-out,
and every arm raised; though the hounds were as eager as their masters,
and yelling fiercely, swam round the pool, ready to pounce upon the
swimmer as upon a duck, all were disappointed; for, even after a longer
interval than their patience could brook, he did not appear.

By this time, Nicholas had regained his legs, and, infuriated by his
discomfiture, approached the edge of the bank, and peering down below,
hoped to detect the fugitive immediately beneath him, resolved to show
him no mercy when he caught him. But he was equally at fault with the
others, and after more than five minutes spent in ineffectual search, he
ordered Crouch to send Grip into the pool.

The old keeper replied that the dog was not used to this kind of chase,
and might not display his usual skill in it; but as the squire would
take no nay, he was obliged to consent, and the other hounds were called
off lest they should puzzle him. Twice did the shrewd lurcher swim round
the pool, sniffing the air, after which he approached the shore, and
scented close to the bank; still it was evident he could detect
nothing, and Nicholas began to despair, when the dog suddenly dived.
Expectation was then raised to the utmost, and all were on the watch
again, Nicholas leaning over the edge of the bank with his spear in
hand, prepared to strike; but the dog was so long in reappearing, that
all had given him up for lost, and his master was giving utterance to
ejaculations of grief and rage, and vowing vengeance against the
warlock, when Grip's grisly head was once more seen above the surface of
the water, and this time he had a piece of blue serge in his jaws,
proving that he had had hold of the raiments of the fugitive, and that
therefore the latter could not be far off, but had most probably got
into some hole beneath the bank.

No sooner was this notion suggested than it was acted on by the old
huntsman and Fogg, and, wading forward, they pricked the bank with their
spears at various points below the level of the water. All at once Fogg
fell forward. His spear had entered a hole, and had penetrated so deeply
that he had lost his balance. But though, soused over head and ears, he
had made a successful hit, for the next moment Jem Device appeared above
the water, and ere he could dive again his throat was seized by Grip,
and while struggling to free himself from the fangs of the tenacious
animal, he was laid hold of by Crouch, and the varlets rushing forward
to the latter's assistance, the ruffian was captured.

Some difficulty was experienced in rescuing the captive from the jaws of
the hounds, who, infuriated by his struggles, and perhaps mistaking him
for some strange beast of chase, made their sharp teeth meet in various
parts of his person, rending his garments from his limbs, and would no
doubt have rent the flesh also, if they had been permitted. At length,
after much fighting and struggling, mingled with yells and
vociferations, Jem was borne ashore, and flung on the ground, where he
presented a wretched spectacle; bleeding, half-drowned, and covered with
slime acquired during his occupation of the hole in the bank. But though
unable to offer further resistance, his spirit was not quelled, and his
eye glared terribly at his captors. Fearing they might have further
trouble with him when he recovered from his present exhausted condition,
Crouch had his hands bound tightly together with one of the dog leashes,
and then would fain have questioned him as to how he managed to breathe
in a hole below the level of the water; but Jem refused to satisfy his
curiosity, and returned only a sullen rejoinder to any questions
addressed to him, until the squire, who had crossed the river at some
stepping-stones lower down, came up, and the ruffian then inquired, in a
half-menacing tone, what he meant to do with him?

"What do I mean to do with you?" cried Nicholas. "I will tell you, lad.
I shall send you at once to Whalley to be examined before the
magistrates; and, as the proofs are pretty clear against you, you will
be forwarded without any material delay to Lancaster Castle."

"An yo winna rescue me by the way, os yo ha dun a sartin notorious witch
an murtheress!" replied Jem, fiercely. "Tak heed whot yo dun, squoire.
If ey speak at aw, ey shan speak out, and to some purpose, ey'n warrant
ye. If ey ge to Lonkester Castle, ey winna ge alone. Wan o' yer friends
shan ge wi' me."

"Cursed villain! I guess thy meaning," replied Nicholas; "but thy
vindictive purposes will be frustrated. No credence will be attached to
thy false charges; while, as to the lady thou aimest at, she is luckily
beyond reach of thy malice."

"Dunna be too sure o' that, squoire," replied Jem. "Ey con put t'
officers o' jestis os surely on her track os owd Crouch could set these
hounds on an otter. Lay yer account on it, ey winna dee unavenged."

"Heed him not," interposed Sherborne, seeing that the squire was shaken
by his threat, and taking him apart; "it will not do to let such a
villain escape. He can do you no injury, and as to Mistress Nutter, if
you know where she is, it will be easy to give her a hint to get out of
the way."

"I don't know that," replied Nicholas, thoughtfully.

"If ey might be so bowd os offer my advice, squoire," said old Crouch,
advancing towards his master, "ey'd tee a heavy stoan round the felly's
throttle, an chuck him into t' poo', an' he'n tell no teles fo' all his
bragging."

"That would silence him effectually, no doubt, Crouch," replied
Nicholas, laughing; "but a dog's death is too good for him, and besides
I am pretty sure his destiny is not drowning. No, no--at all risks he
shall go to Whalley. Harkee, Fogg," he added, beckoning that worthy to
him, "I commit the conduct and custody of the prisoner to you. Clap him
on a horse, get on another yourself, take these four varlets with you,
and deliver him into the hands of Sir Ralph Assheton, who will relieve
you of all further trouble and responsibility. But you may add this to
the baronet from me," he continued, in an under-tone. "I recommend him
to place under immediate arrest Elizabeth Device, the prisoner's mother,
and her daughter Jennet. You understand, Fogg--eh?"

"Perfectly," returned the other, with a somewhat singular look; "and
your instructions shall be fulfilled to the letter. Have you any thing
more to commit to me?"

"Only this," said Nicholas; "you may tell Sir Ralph that I propose to
sleep at the Abbey to-night. I shall ride over to Middleton in the
course of the day, to confer with Dick Assheton upon what has just
occurred, and get the money from him--the three hundred pounds, you
understand--and when my errand is done, I will turn bridle towards
Whalley. I shall return by Todmorden, and through the gorge of
Cliviger. You may as well tarry for me at the Abbey, for Sir Ralph will
be glad of thy company, and we can return together to Downham
to-morrow."

As the squire thus spoke, he noticed a singular sparkle in Fogg's
ill-set eyes; but he thought nothing of it at the time, though it
subsequently occurred to his recollection.

Meanwhile, the prisoner, finding no grace likely to be shown him,
shouted out to the squire, that if he were set free, he would make
certain important disclosures to him respecting Fogg, who was not what
he represented himself; but Nicholas treated the offer with disdain; and
the individual mainly interested in the matter, who appeared highly
incensed by Jem's malignity, cut a short peg by way of gag, and,
thrusting it into the ruffian's mouth, effectually checked any more
revelations on his part.

Fogg then ordered the varlets to bring on the prisoner; but as Jem
obstinately refused to move, they were under the necessity of taking him
on their shoulders, and transporting him in this manner to the stables,
where he was placed on a horse, as directed by the squire.