CHAPTER VII.

[THE ROYAL declaration concerning lawful

SPORTS ON THE SUNDAY.

Not many paces after the King marched the Duke of
Buckingham, then in the zenith of his power, and in
the full perfection of his unequalled beauty, eclipsing
all the rest of the nobles in splendour of apparel, as he
did in stateliness of deportment. Haughtily returning
the salutations made him, which were scarcely less reve-
rential than those addressed to the monarch himself, the
prime favourite moved on, all eyes following his ma-
jestic figure to the door. Buckingham walked alone,
as if he had been a prince of the blood ; but after him
came a throng of nobles, consisting of the Earl of Pem-
broke, High Chamberlain ; the Duke of Richmond,
Master of the Household ; the Earl of Nottingham,
Lord High Admiral; Viscount Brackley, Lord Ho-
ward of Effingham, Lord Zouche, President of Wales ;
with the Lords Knollys, Mordaunt, Compton, and
Grey of Groby. One or two of the noblemen seemed
inclined to question Richard as to what had passed

246 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

between him and the King, but the young man's re-
served and somewhat stern manner deterred them.
Next came the three judges, Doddridge, Crooke, and
Hoghton, whose countenances wore an enforced gravity,
for if any faith could be placed in rubicund cheeks
and portly persons, they were not indisposed to self-
indulgence and conviviality. After the judges, came
the Bishop of Chester, the King's chaplain, who had
officiated on the present occasion, and who was in his
full pontifical robes. He was accompanied by the lord
of the mansion, Sir Richard Hoghton, a hale hand-
some man between fifty and sixty, with silvery hair
and beard, a robust but commanding person, a fresh
complexion, and features, by no means warranting,
from any marked dissimilarity to those of his son, the
King's scandalous jest.

A crowd of baronets and knights succeeded, including
Sir Arthur Capel, Sir Thomas Brudenell, Sir Edward
Montague, Sir Edmund Trafford, sheriff of the county,
Sir Edward Mosley, and Sir Ralph Assheton. The
latter looked grave and anxious, and, as he passed his
relatives, said, in a low tone, to Richard,

" I am told Alizon is to be here to-day. Is it so ?"

" She is," replied the young man ; " but why do you
ask ? Is she in danger ? If so, let her be warned
against coming."

" On no account," replied Sir Ralph ; " that would
only increase the suspicion already attaching to her. No;
she must face the danger, and I hope will be able to
avert it."

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 247

" But what is the danger ?" asked Richard. " In
heaven's name, speak more plainly."

a I cannot do so now," replied Sir Ralph. " We
will take counsel together anon. Her enemies are at
work ; and if you tarry here a few minutes longer you
will understand whom I mean."

And he passed on.

A large crowd now poured indiscriminately out of the
chapel, and amongst it Nicholas perceived many of his
friends and neighbours, Mr. Townley, of Townley
Park, Mr. Parker, of Browsholme, Mr. Shuttle worth,
of Gawthorpe, Sir Thomas Metcalfe, and Roger Nowell.
With the latter was Master Potts, and Richard was
then at no loss to understand against whom Sir Ralph
had warned him. A fierce light blazed in Roger
Nowell's keen eyes as he first remarked the two
Asshetons, and a smile of gratified vengeance played
about his lips, but he quelled the fire in a moment,
and compressing his hard mouth more closely, bowed
coldly and ceremoniously to them. Metcalfe did the
same. Not so Master Potts. Halting for a moment, he
said, with a spiteful look, " Look to yourself, Master
Nicholas; and you, too, Master Richard. A day of
reckoning is coming for both of you."

And with this, he sprang nimbly after his client.
"What means the fellow!" cried Nicholas. "But
that we are here as it were in the precincts of a palace,
I would after him and cudgel him soundly for his
insolence."

248 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

" And wlia's that ye'dbe after dinging, mon?" cried
a sliarp voice behind him. " Na that puir feckless
body that has jist skippit aff. If sae, ye'll ta the wrang
soo by the lugg, and I counsel you to let him bide,
for he's high i' favour wi' the King."

Turning at this address, Nicholas recognised the
king's jester, Archie Armstrong, a merry little knave,
with light blue eyes, long yellow hair hanging about
his ears, and a sandy beard. There was a great deal of
mother wit about Archie, and quite as much shrewdness
as folly. He wore no distinctive dress as jester, — the
bauble and coxcomb having been long discontinued, —
but was simply clad in the royal livery.

" And so Master Potts is in favour with his Majesty,
eh, Archie ?" asked the squire, hoping to obtain some
information from him.

" And sae war you the day afore yesterday when you
hunted at Myerscough," replied the jester.

" But how have I forfeited the King's good opinion?"
asked Nicholas. " Come, you are a good fellow,
Archie, and will tell me."

" Dinna think to fleech me, mon," replied the jester,
cunningly. "I ken what I ken, and that's mail than
you'll get frae me wi' a' your speering. The King's
secrets are safe wi' Archie — and for a gude reason, that
he is never tauld them. You're a gude huntsman, and
sae is his majesty, but there's ae kind o' game he likes
better than anither, and that's to be found maistly i'
these pairts — I mean witches, and sic like fearfu' car-

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 249

lines. We maun hae the country rid of them, and
that's what his majesty intends, and if you're a wise
man you'll lend him a helping hand. But I maun in
to disjune."

And with this the jester capered off, leaving Ni-
cholas like one stupified. He was roused, however, by
a smart slap on the shoulder from Sir John Finett.

"What ! pondering over the masque, Master Nicholas,
or thinking of the petition you have to present to
his Majesty ?" cried the Master of the Ceremonies.
" Let neither trouble you. The one will be well played,
I doubt not, and the other well received, I am sure, for
I know the king's sentiments on the subject. But
touching the dame, Master Nicholas — have you found
one willing and able to take part in the masque ?"

" I have found several willing, Sir John," replied
Nicholas; " but as to their ability that is another ques-
tion. However, one of them may do as a make-shift.
They are all in the base-court, and shall wait on
you when you please, and then you can make your
election."

w So far well," replied Finett ; "it may be that we
shall have Ben Jonson here to-day — rare Ben, the prince
of poets and of masque writers. Sir Richard Hoghton
expects him. Ben is preparing a masque for Christmas,
to be called ' The Vision of Delight,' in , which his
highness the prince is to be a principal actor, and some
verses which have been recited to me are amongst the
daintiest ever indited by the bard."

250 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

" It will be a singular pleasure to me to see him,"
said Nicholas ; ufor I hold Ben Jonson in the highest
esteem as a poet — ay, above them all, unless it be Will
Shakspeare."

a Ay, you do well to except Shakspeare," rejoined Sir
John Finett. " Great as Ben Jonson is, and for wit and
learning no man surpasses him, he is not to be compared
with Shakspeare, who for profound knowledge of na-
ture, and of all the highest qualities of dramatic art, is
unapproachable. But ours is a learned court, Master
Nicholas, and therefore we have a learned poet ; but a
right good fellow is Ben Jonson, and a boon com-
panion, though somewhat prone to sarcasm, as you will
find if you drink with him. Over his cups he will rail at
courts . and courtiers in good set terms I promise you,
and I myself have come in for his gibes. How-
ever, I love him none the less for his quips, for I know
it is his humour to utter them, and so overlook what
in another and less deserving person I should assuredly
resent. But is not that young man, who is now going
forth, your cousin, Richard Assheton ? I thought so. The
King has had a strange tale whispered in his ear, that
the youth has been bewitched by a maiden — Alizon
Nutter I think she is named — of whom he is ena-
moured. I know not what truth there may be in the
charge, but the youth himself seems to warrant it, for
he looks ghastly ill. A letter was sent to his Majesty at
Myerscough, communicating this and certain other
particulars with which I am not acquainted ; but I

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 251

know they relate to some professors of the black art
in your county, the soil of which seems favourable to
the growth of such noxious weeds, and at first he
was much disturbed by it, but in the end decided
that both parties should be brought hither without
being made aware of his design, that he might see and
judge for himself in the matter. Accordingly, a messen-
ger was sent over to Middleton Hall as from Sir Richard
Hoghton, inviting the whole family to the Tower, and
giving Sir Richard Assheton to understand it was the
King's pleasure he should bring with him a certain
young damsel, named Alizon Nutter, of whom mention
had been made to him. Sir Richard had no choice
but to obey, and promised compliance with his Ma-
jesty's injunctions. An officer, however, was left on
the watch, and this very morning reported to his Ma-
jesty that young Richard Assheton had already set out
with the intention of going to Preston, but had passed
the night at Walton-le-Dale, and that Sir Richard, his
daughter Dorothy, and Alizon Nutter, would be here
before noon."

" His Majesty has laid his plans carefully," replied
Nicholas, " and I can easily conjecture from whom he
received the information, which is as false as it is mali-
cious. But are you aware, Sir John, upon what evi-
dence the charge is supported — for mere suspicion is
not enough ?"

" In cases of witchcraft, suspicion is enough," replied
the knight, gravely. " Slender proofs are required.

252 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

The girl is the daughter of a notorious witch — that is
against her. The young man is ailing — that is against
her, too. But a witness, I believe, will be produced,
though who I cannot say."

" Gracious heaven ! what wickedness there must be
in the world when such a charge can be brought against
one so good and so unoffending," cried Nicholas. " A
maiden more devout than Alizon never existed, nor
one holding the crime she is charged with in greater
abhorrence. She injure Richard ! she would lay down
her life for him — and would have been his wife, but
for scruples the most delicate and disinterested on her
part. But we will establish her innocence before his
Majesty, and confound her enemies."

" It is with that hope that I have given you this in-
formation, sir, of which I am sure you will make no im-
proper use," replied Sir John. " I have heard a
similar character to that you have given of Alizon,
and am unwilling she should fall a victim to art
or malice. Be upon your guard, too, Master Ni-
cholas, for other investigations will take place at
the same time, and some matters may come forth
in which you are concerned. The King's arms are
long, and reach and strike far — and his eyes see clearly
when not hoodwinked — or when other people see for
him. And now, good sir, you must want breakfast.
Here Faryington," he added to an attendant, "show
Master Nicholas Assheton to his lodging in the base
court, and attend upon him as if he were your master.

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 253

I will come for you, sir, when it is time to present the
petition to the King."

So saying, he bowed and walked forth, turning into
the upper quadrangle, while Nicholas followed Faryng-
ton into the lower court, where he found his friends
waiting for him.

Speedily ascertaining where their lodgings were situ-
ated, Faryngton led them to a building on the left,
almost opposite the great bonfire, and ascending a flight
of steps, ushered them into a commodious and well-
furnished room, looking into the court. This done, he
disappeared, but soon afterwards returned with two
yeomen of the kitchen, one carrying a tray of provisions
upon his head, and the other sustaining a basket of wine
under his arm, and a snowy napkin being laid upon the
table, trenchers, viands, and flasks were soon arranged
in very tempting order — so tempting, indeed, that the
squire, notwithstanding his assertion that his appetite
had been taken away, fell to work with his customary
vigour, and plied a flask of excellent Bordeaux, so inces-
santly, that another had to be placed before him. Sher-
borne did equal justice to the good cheer, and Richard
not only forced himself to eat, but to the squire's great
surprise swallowed more than one deep draught of wine.
Having thus administered to the wants of the guests,
and seeing his presence was no longer either necessary
or desired, Faryngton vanished, first promising to go
and see that all was got ready for them in the sleeping
apartments. Notwithstanding the man's civility, there

254 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

was an over-officiousness about him that made Nicholas
suspect he was placed over them by Sir John Finett
to watch their movements, and he resolved to be upon
his guard.

" I am glad to see you drink, lad," he observed to
Richard, as soon as they were alone ; " a cup of wine
will do you good."

" Do you think so ?" replied Richard, filling his
goblet anew. " I want to get back my spirits and
strength — to sustain myself no matter how — to look
well — ha ! ha ! If I can only make this frail machine
carry me stoutly through the King's visit, I care not
how soon it falls to pieces afterwards."

" I see your motive, Dick," replied Nicholas, " you
hope to turn away suspicion from Alizon by this de-
vice ; but you must not go to excess, or you will defeat
your scheme."

" I will do something to convince the King he is
mistaken in me, — that I am not bewitched," cried
Richard, rising and striding across the room. " Be'
witched ! and by Alizon, too ! Ij could laugh at the
charge, but that it is too horrible. Had any other than
the King breathed it, I would have slain him."

" His majesty has been abused by the malice of that
knavish attorney, Potts, who has always manifested the
greatest hostility towards Alizon," said Nicholas ; " but
he will not prevail, for she has only to show herself to
dispel all prejudice."

" You are right, Nicholas," cried Richard, " and }^et

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 255

the King seems already to have prejudged her, and
his obstinacy may lead to her destruction."

" Speak not so loudly, Dick, in Heaven's name,"
said the squire, in alarm ; " these walls may have ears,
and echoes may repeat every word you utter."

" Then let them tell the King that Alizon is inno-
cent," cried Richard, stopping, and replenishing his
goblet. " Here's to her health, and confusion to her
enemies !"

" I'll drink that toast with pleasure, Dick," replied
the squire ; " but I must forbid you more wine. You
are not used to it, and the fumes will mount to your
brain."

" Come and sit down beside us that we may talk,"
said Sherborne.

Richard obeyed, and leaning over the table, asked
in a low deep tone, " Where is Mistress Nutter, Ni-
cholas ?"

The squire looked towards the door before he an-
swered, and then said —

" I will tell you. After the destruction of Malkin
Tower and the band of robbers, she was taken to a
solitary hut near Barley Booth, at the foot of Pendle
Hill, and the next day was conveyed across Bowland
Forest to Poulton in the Fyld, on the borders of More-
cambe Bay, with the intention of getting her on board
some vessel bound for the Isle of Man. Arrangements
were made for this purpose, but when the time came,
she refused to go, and was brought secretly back to the

256 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

hut near Barley, where she has been ever since, though
her place of concealment was hidden even from you and
her daughter."

" The captain of the robbers, Fogg, or Deindike,
escaped — did he not?" said Richard.

" Ay, in the confusion occasioned by the blowing
up of the Tower he managed to get away," replied
Nicholas, " and we were unable to follow him, as our
attentions had to be bestowed upon Mistress Nutter.
This was the more unlucky, as through his instrumen-
tality Jem and his mother Elizabeth were liberated
from the dungeon in which they wTere placed at Whal-
ley Abbey, prior to their removal to Lancaster Castle,
and none of them have been heard of since."

" And I hope will never be heard of again," cried
Richard. " Rut is Mistress Nutter's retreat secure,
think you? — May it not be discovered by some of
No well's emissaries ?"

" I trust not," replied Nicholas, " but her voluntary
surrender is more to be apprehended, for when I last
saw her, on the night before starting for Myerscough,
she told me she was determined to give herself up for
trial ; and her motives could scarce be combatted, for
she declares that unless she submits herself to the justice
of man, and expiates her offences, she cannot be saved.
She now seems as resolute in good as she was heretofore
resolute in evil."

" If she perishes thus, her self-sacrifice, for thus it
becomes, will be Alizon's death-blow," cried Richard.

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 257

" So I told her," replied Nicholas — " but she con-
tinued inflexible. SI am born to be the cause of
misery to others, and most to those I love most/ she
said, ' but I cannot fly from justice. There is no escape
for me.' "

u She is right," cried Richard ; " there is no escape
but the grave, whither we are all three hurrying. A
terrible fatality attaches to us."

"Nay, say not so, Dick," rejoined Nicholas, "you
are young, and though this shock may be severe, yet
when it is passed, you will be recompensed, I hope, by
many years of happiness."

" I am not to be deceived," said Richard. "Look me
in the face, and say honestly if you think me long lived.
You cannot do it. I have been smitten by a mortal
illness, and am wasting gradually away. I am dying —
I feel it — know it — but though it may abridge my brief
term of life, I will purchase present health and spirits,
at any cost and save Alizon. Ah !" he exclaimed, put-
ting his hand to his heart, with a fearful expression of
anguish. „

" What is the matter?" cried the two gentlemen,
greatly alarmed, and springing towards him.

But the young man could not reply. Another and
another agonising spasm shook his frame, and cold
damps broke out upon his pallid brow, showing the
intensity of his suffering. Nicholas and Sherborne re-
garded each other anxiously, as if doubtful how to act.

VOL. III. S

258 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

" Shall I summon assistance?" said the latter, in a
low tone.

But, softly as the words were uttered, they reached
the ears of Richard. Rousing himself by a great
effort, he said,

" On no account — the fit is over. I am glad it has
seized me now, for I shall not be liable to a recurrence
of it throughout the day. Lead me to the window. The
air will presently revive me."

His friends complied with the request, and placed
him at the open casement.

Great bustle was observable below, and the cause was
soon manifest, as the chief huntsman, clad in green, with
buff boots drawn high up on the thigh, a horn about his
neck, and mounted on a strong black curtal, rode forth
from the stables. He was attended by a noble blood-
hound, and on gaining the middle of the court, put
his bugle to his lips, and blew a loud blithe call that
made the walls ring again. The summons was imme-
diately answered by a number of grooms and pages,
leading a multitude of richly-caparisoned horses to-
wards the upper end of the court, where a gallant
troop of dames, nobles, and gentlemen, all attired for
the chace, awaited them ; and where, amidst much mirth,
and bandying of lively jest and compliment, a general
mounting took place, the ladies, of course, being placed
first on their steeds. While this was going forward, the
hounds were brought from the kennel in couples — relays

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 259

having been sent down to the park more than an hour
before — and the yard resounded with their joyous bay-
ing, and the neighing of the impatient steeds. By this
time also, the chief huntsman had collected his forces,
consisting of a dozen prickers, six habited like himself,
in green, and six in russet, and all mounted on stout
curtals. Those in green were intended to hunt the
hart, and those in russet the wild boar, the former being
provided with hunting-poles, and the latter with spears.
Their girdles were well lined with beef and pudding,
and each of them acting upon the advice of worthy
Master George Turbervile, had a stone bottle of good
wine at the pummel of his saddle. Besides these there
were a whole host of varlets of the chace on foot. The
chief falconer, with a long-winged hawk in her hood
and jesses upon his wrist, was stationed somewhat
nearer the gateway, and close to him were his atten-
dants, each having on his fist a falcon gentle, a
Barbary falcon, a merlin, a goshawk, or a sparrow-
hawk. Thus all was in readiness, and hound, hawk,
and man seemed equally impatient for the sport.

At this juncture, the door was thrown open by Fa-
ryngton, who announced Sir John Finett.

"It is time, Master Nicholas Assheton," said the
Master of the Ceremonies.

"I am ready to attend you, Sir John," replied
Nicholas, taking a parchment from his doublet, and
unfolding it, " the petition is well signed."
S2

260 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

" So I see, sir/' replied the knight, glancing at it.
" Will not your friends come with you?"

" Most assuredly/' replied Richard, who had risen on
the knight's appearance. And he followed the others
down the staircase.

By direction of the Master of the Ceremonies nearly
a hundred of the more important gentlemen of the
county had been got together, and this train was sub-
sequently swelled to thrice the amount, from the acces-
sions it received from persons of inferior rank when its
object became known. At the head of this large as-
semblage Nicholas was now placed, and accompanied
by Sir John Finett, who gave the word to the procession
to follow them, he moved slowly up the court. Passing
through the brilliant crowd of equestrians the pro-
cession halted at a short distance from the door-way
of the great hall, and James, who had been waiting for
its approach within, now came forth, amid the cheers
and plaudits of the spectators.

Sir John Finett then led Nicholas forward, and the
latter, dropping on one knee, said —

" May it please your Majesty, I hold in my hand a
petition, signed, as if you will deign to cast your eyes
over it, you will perceive, by many hundreds of the lower
orders of your loving subjects in this your county of
Lancaster, representing that they are debarred from
lawful recreations upon Sunday, after afternoon service,
and upon holidays, and praying that the restrictions

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 261

imposed in 1579, by the Earls of Derby and Hunting-
don, and by William, Bishop of Chester, Commissioners
to her late Highness, Elizabeth, of glorious memory,
your Majesty's predecessor, may be withdrawn."

And with this, he placed in the King's hands the
petition, which was very graciously received.

" The complaint of our loving subjects in Lancashire
shall not pass unnoticed, sir," said James. " Sorry are
we to say it, but this county of ours is sair infested wi'
folk inclining to Puritanism and Papistry, baith of
which sects are adverse to the cause of true religion.
Honest mirth is not only tolerable but praiseworthy,
and the prohibition of it is likely to breed discontent,
and this our enemies ken fu' weel ; for when," he con-
tinued, loudly and emphatically — u when shall the
common people have leave to exercise, if not upon
Sundays and holidays, seeing they must labour, and
win their living on all other days ?"

" Your Majesty speaks like King Solomon himself,"
observed Nicholas, amid the loud cheering.

" Our will and pleasure then is," pursued James,
" that our good people be not deprived of any lawful
recreation that shall not tend to a breach of the laws, or
a violation of the Kirk ; but that after the end of
divine service, they shall not be disturbed, letted, or dis-
couraged from any lawful recreation — as dancing and
sic like, either of men or women, archery, leaping, vault-
ing, or ony ither harmless recreation ; nor frae the
having of May games, Whitsun ales, or morris dancing;

262 THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.

nor frae setting up of May poles, and ither sports, there-
with used, provided the same be had in due and con-
venient time, without impediment or neglect of divine
service. And our will further is, that women shall have
leave to carry rushes to the church, for the decoring
of it, according to auld custom. But we prohibit all
unlawful games on Sundays, as bear-baiting and bull-
baiting, interludes, and, by the common folk — mark
ye that, sir — playing at bowls."*

The royal declaration was received with loud and
reiterated cheers, amidst which James mounted his
steed, a large black docile-looking charger, and rode out
of the court, followed by the whole cavalcade.

Trumpets were sounded from the battlements as he
passed through the gateway, and shouting crowds at-
tended him all the way down the hill, until he entered
the avenue leading to the park.

At the conclusion of the royal address, the procession
headed by Nicholas immediately dispersed, and such as
meant to join the chace set off in quest of steeds.

* This speech is in substance the monarch's actual Declara-
tion concerning Lawful Sports, promulgated in 1618, in a little
Tractate, generally known as the " Book of Sports ;" by which he
would have conferred a great boon on the lower orders, if his kindly
purpose had not been misapprehended by some, and ultimately
defeated by bigots and fanatics. King James deserves to be remem-
bered with gratitude, if only for this manifestation of sympathy
with the enjoyments of the people. He had himself discovered that
the restrictions imposed upon them had " set up filthy tiplings and
drunkenness, and bred a number of idle and discontented speeches
in the ale-houses."

THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES. 263

Foremost amongst these was the squire himself, and on
approaching the stables, he was glad to find Richard
and Sherborne already mounted, the former holding his
horse by the bridle, so that he had nothing to do but
vault upon his back. There was an impatience about
Richard, very different from his ordinary manner,
that surprised and startled him, and the expression of
the young man's countenance long afterwards haunted
him. The face was deathly pale, except that on either
cheek burned a red feverish spot, and the eyes blazed
with unnatural light. So much was the squire struck
by his cousin's looks, that he would have dissuaded him
from going forth, but he saw from his manner that the
attempt would fail, while a significant gesture from his
brother-in-law told him he was equally uneasy.

Scarcely had the principal nobles passed through
the gateway, than, in spite of all efforts to detain
him, Richard struck spurs into his horse, and dashed
amidst the cavalcade, creating great disorder, and
rousing the ire of the Earl of Pembroke, to whom
the marshalling of the train was entrusted. But Ri-
chard paid little heed to his wrath, and perhaps did
not hear the angry expressions addressed to him, for no
sooner was he outside the gate, than instead of pur-
suing the road, down which the King was proceeding,
and which has been described as hewn out of the rock,
he struck into a thicket on the right, and, in defiance
of all attempts to stop him, and at the imminent risk
of breaking his neck, rode down the precipitous sides

264 THE LANOASHIKE WITCHES.

of the hill, and reaching the bottom in safety, long
before the royal cavalcade had attained the same point,
took the direction of the park.

His friends watched him commence this perilous
descent in dismay, but though much alarmed, they
were unable to follow him.

"Poor lad ! I am fearful he has lost his senses," said
Sherborne.

" He is what the King would call ' fey,' and not long
for this world," replied Nicholas, shaking his head.

THE LANCASHIKE WITCHES. 265