The Lancashire Witches: A Romance of Pendle Forest

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  Half an hour elapsed, and nothing occurred. During this interval it had become dark. A curtain of clouds was drawn over the moon and stars.

  Suddenly, a hurtling noise was heard in the air, and it seemed to the watcher as if a troop of witches were alighting at a distance from him.

  A loud hubbub of voices ensued—then there was a trampling of feet, accompanied by discordant strains of music—after which a momentary silence ensued, and a harsh voice asked—

  "Why are we brought hither?"

  "It is not for a sabbath," shouted another voice, "for there is neither fire nor caldron."

  "Mother Demdike would not summon us without good reason," cried a third. "We shall learn presently what we have to do."

  "The more mischief the better," rejoined another voice.

  "Ay, mischief! mischief! mischief!" echoed the rest of the crew.

  "You shall have enough of it to content you," rejoined Mother Demdike. "I have called you hither to be present at a sacrifice."

  Hideous screams of laughter followed this announcement, and the voice that had spoken first asked—

  "A sacrifice of whom?"

  "An unbaptised babe, stolen from its sleeping mother's breast," rejoined another. "Mother Demdike has often played that trick before—ho! ho!"

  "Peace!" thundered the hag—"It is no babe I am about to kill, but a full-grown maid—ay, and one of rarest beauty, too. What think ye of Alizon Device?"

  "Thy grand-daughter!" cried several voices, in surprise.

  "Alice Nutter's daughter—for such she is," rejoined the hag. "I have held her captive in Malkin Tower, and have subjected her to every trial and temptation I could devise, but I have failed in shaking her courage, or in winning her over to our master. All the horrors of the vault have been tried upon her in vain. Even the last terrible ordeal, which no one has hitherto sustained, proved ineffectual. She went through it unmoved."

  "Heaven be praised!" murmured Richard.

  "It seems I have no power over her soul" pursued the hag; "but I have over her body, and she shall die here, and by my hand. But mind me, not a drop of blood must fall to the ground."

  "Have no fear," cried several voices, "we will catch it in our palms and quaff it."

  "Hast thou thy knife, Mould-heels?" asked Mother Demdike.

  "Ay," replied the other, "it is long and sharp, and will do thy business well. Thy grandson, Jem Device, notched it by killing swine, and my goodman ground it only yesterday. Take it."

  "I will plunge it to her heart!" cried Mother Demdike, with an infernal laugh. "And now I will tell you why we have neither fire nor caldron. On questioning the ebon image in the vault as to the place where the sacrifice should be made, I received for answer that it must be here, and in darkness. No human eye but our own must behold it. We are safe on this score, for no one is likely to come hither at this hour. No fire must be kindled, or the sacrifice will result in destruction to us all. Ye have heard, and understand?"

  "We do," replied several husky voices.

  "And so do I," said Richard, taking hold of the dark lantern.

  "And now for the girl," cried Mother Demdike.

  CHAPTER XVI.—ONE O'CLOCK!

  Mistress Nutter and Mother Chattox were still at the hut, impatiently awaiting the return of Fancy. But nearly an hour elapsed before he appeared.

  "What has detained thee so long?" demanded the hag, sharply, as he stood before them.

  "You shall hear, mistress," replied Fancy: "I have had a busy time of it, I assure you, and thought I should never accomplish my errand. On arriving at Rough Lee, I found the place invested by Sir Thomas Metcalfe and a host of armed men, who had been sent thither by Parson Holden, for the joint purpose of arresting you, madam," addressing Mistress Nutter, "and liberating Nowell and Potts. The knight was in a great fume; for, in spite of the force brought against it, the house had been stoutly defended by Nicholas Assheton, who had worsted the besieging party, and captured two Alsatian captains, hangers on of Sir Thomas. Appearing in the character of an enemy, I was immediately surrounded by Metcalfe and his men, who swore they would cut my throat unless I undertook to procure the liberation of the two bravos in question, as well as that of Nowell and Potts. I told them I was come for the express purpose of setting free the two last-named gentlemen; but, with respect to the former, I had no instructions, and they must arrange the matter with Master Nicholas himself. Upon this Sir Thomas became exceedingly wroth and insolent, and proceeded to such lengths that I resolved to chastise him, and in so doing performed a feat which will tend greatly to exalt Richard's character for courage and strength."

  "Let us hear it, my doughty champion," cried Mother Chattox.

  "While Metcalfe was pouring forth his rage, and menacing me with uplifted hand," pursued the familiar, "I seized him by the throat, dragged him from his horse, and in spite of the efforts of his men, whose blows fell upon me thick as hail, and quite as harmlessly, I bore him through the garden to the back of the house, where my shouts soon brought Nicholas and others to my assistance, and after delivering my captive to them, I dismounted. The squire, you will imagine, was astonished to see me, and greatly applauded my prowess. I replied, with the modesty becoming my assumed character, that I had done nothing, and, in reality, the feat was nothing to me; but I told him I had something of the utmost importance to communicate, and which could not be delayed a moment; whereupon he led me to a small room adjoining the hall, while the crestfallen knight was left to vent his rage and mortification on the grooms to whose custody he was committed."

  "You acted your part to perfection," said Mistress Nutter.

  "Ay, trust my sweet Fancy for that," said the hag—"there is no familiar like him—none whatever."

  "Your praises make me blush," rejoined Fancy. "But to proceed. I fulfilled your instructions to the letter, and excited Nicholas's horror and indignation by the tale I told him. I laughed in my sleeve all the while, but I maintained a very different countenance with him. He thought me full of anguish and despair. He questioned me as to my proceedings at Malkin Tower, and I amazed him with the description of a fearful storm I had encountered—of my interview with old Demdike, and her atrocious treatment of Alizon—to all of which he listened with profound interest. Richard himself could not have moved him more—perhaps not so much. As soon as I had finished, he vowed he would rescue Alizon from the murtherous hag, and prevent the latter from committing further mischief; and bidding me come with him, we repaired to the room in which Nowell and Potts were confined. We found them both fast asleep in their chairs; but Nicholas quickly awakened them, and some explanations ensued, which did not at first appear very clear and satisfactory to either magistrate or attorney, but in the end they agreed to accompany us on the expedition, Master Potts declaring it would compensate him for all his mischances if he could arrest Mother Demdike."

  "I hope he may have his wish," said Mother Chattox.

  "Ay, but he declared that his next step should be to arrest you, mistress," observed Fancy, with a laugh.

  "Arrest me!" cried the hag. "Marry, let him touch me, if he dares. My term is not out yet, and, with thee to defend me, my brave Fancy, I have no fear."

  "Right!" replied the familiar; "but to go on with my story. Sir Thomas Metcalfe was next brought forward; and after some warm altercation, peace was at length established between him and the squire, and hands were shaken all round. Wine was then called for by Nicholas, who, at the same time, directed that the two Alsatian captains should be brought up from the cellar, where they had been placed for safety. The first part of the order was obeyed, but the second was found impracticable, inasmuch as the two heroes had found their way to the inner cellar, and had emptied so many flasks that they were utterly incapable of moving. While the wine was being discussed, an unexpected arrival took place."

  "An arrival!—of whom?" inquired Mistress Nutter, eagerly.

  "Sir Ralph Assheton and a large party," replied Fancy. "Parson Holden, it seems, not
content with sending Sir Thomas and his rout to the aid of his friends, had proceeded for the same purpose to Whalley, and the result was the appearance of the new party. A brief explanation from Nicholas and myself served to put Sir Ralph in possession of all that had occurred, and he declared his readiness to accompany the expedition to Pendle Hill, and to take all his followers with him. Sir Thomas Metcalfe expressed an equally strong desire to go with him, and of course it was acceded to. I am bound to tell you, madam," added Fancy to Mistress Nutter, "that your conduct is viewed in a most suspicious light by every one of these persons, except Nicholas, who made an effort to defend you."

  "I care not what happens to me, if I succeed in rescuing my child," said the lady. "But have they set out on the expedition?"

  "By this time, no doubt they have," replied Fancy. "I got off by saying I would ride on to Pendle Hill, and, stationing myself on its summit, give them a signal when they should advance upon their prey. And now, good mistress, I pray you dismiss me. I want to cast off this shape, which I find an incumbrance, and resume my own. I will return when it is time for you to set out."

  The hag waved her hand, and the familiar was gone.

  Half an hour elapsed, and he returned not. Mistress Nutter became fearfully impatient. Three-quarters, and even the old hag was uneasy. An hour, and he stood before them—dwarfish, fiendish, monstrous.

  "It is time," he said, in a harsh voice; but the tones were music in the wretched mother's ears.

  "Come, then," she cried, rushing wildly forth.

  "Ay, ay, I come," replied the hag, following her. "Not so fast. You cannot go without me."

  "Nor either of you without me," added Fancy. "Here, good mistress, is your broomstick."

  "Away for Pendle Hill!" screamed the hag.

  "Ay, for Pendle Hill!" echoed Fancy.

  And there was a whirling of dark figures through the air as before.

  Presently they alighted on the summit of Pendle Hill, which seemed to be wrapped in a dense cloud, for Mistress Nutter could scarcely see a yard before her. Fancy's eyes, however, were powerful enough to penetrate the gloom, for stepping back a few yards, he said—

  "The expedition is at the foot of the hill, where they have made a halt. We must wait a few moments, till I can ascertain what they mean to do. Ah! I see. They are dividing into three parties. One detachment, headed by Nicholas Assheton, with whom are Potts and Nowell, is about to make the ascent from the spot where they now stand; another, commanded by Sir Ralph Assheton, is moving towards the but-end of the hill; and the third, headed by Sir Thomas Metcalfe, is proceeding to the right. These are goodly preparations—ha! ha! But, what do I behold? The first detachment have a prisoner with them. It is Jem Device, whom they have captured on the way, I suppose. I can tell from the rascal's looks that he is planning an escape. Patience, madam, I must see how he executes his design. There is no hurry. They are all scrambling up the hill-sides. Some one slips, and rolls down, and bruises himself severely against the loose stones. Ho! ho! it is Master Potts. He is picked up by James Device, who takes him on his shoulders. What means the knave by such attention? We shall see anon. They continue to fight their way upward, and have now reached the narrow path among the rocks. Take heed, or your necks will be broken. Ho! ho! Well done, Jem,—bravo! lad. Thy scheme is out now—ho! ho!"

  "What has he done?" asked Mother Chattox.

  "Run off with the attorney—with Master Potts," replied Fancy; "disappeared in the gloom, so that it is impossible Nicholas can follow him—ho! ho!"

  "But my child!—where is my child?" cried Mistress Nutter, in agitated impatience.

  "Come with me, and I will lead you to her," replied Fancy, taking her hand; "and do you keep close to us, mistress," he added to Mother Chattox.

  Moving quickly along the heathy plain, they soon reached a small dry hollow, about a hundred paces from the beacon, in the midst of which, as in a grave, was deposited the inanimate form of Alizon. When the spot was indicated to her by Fancy, the miserable mother flew to it, and, with indescribable delight, clasped her child to her breast. But the next moment, a new fear seized her, for the limbs were stiff and cold, and the heart had apparently ceased to beat.

  "She is dead!" exclaimed Mistress Nutter, frantically.

  "No; she is only in a magical trance," said Fancy; "my mistress can instantly revive her."

  "Prithee do so, then, good Chattox," implored the lady.

  "Better defer it till we have taken her hence," rejoined the hag.

  "Oh! no, now—now! Let me be assured she lives!" cried Mistress Nutter.

  Mother Chattox reluctantly assented, and, touching Alizon with her skinny finger, first upon the heart and then upon the brow, the poor girl began to show symptoms of life.

  "My child—my child!" cried Mistress Nutter, straining her to her breast; "I am come to save thee!"

  "You will scarce succeed, if you tarry here longer," said Fancy. "Away!"

  "Ay, come away!" shrieked the hag, seizing Alizon's arm.

  "Where are you about to take her?" asked Mistress Nutter.

  "To my hut," replied Mother Chattox.

  "No, no—she shall not go there," returned the lady.

  "And wherefore not?" screamed the hag. "She is mine now, and I say she shall go."

  "Right, mistress," said Fancy; "and leave the lady here if she objects to accompany her. But be quick."

  "You shall not take her from me!" shrieked Mistress Nutter, holding her daughter fast. "I see through your diabolical purpose. You have the same dark design as Mother Demdike, and would sacrifice her; but she shall not go with you, neither will I."

  "Tut!" exclaimed the hag, "you have lost your senses on a sudden. I do not want your daughter. But come away, or Mother Demdike will surprise us."

  "Do not trifle with her longer," whispered Fancy to the hag; "drag the girl away, or you will lose her. A few moments, and it will be too late."

  Mother Chattox made an attempt to obey him, but Mistress Nutter resisted her.

  "Curses on her!" she muttered, "she is too strong for me. Do thou help me," she added, appealing to Fancy.

  "I cannot," he replied; "I have done all I dare to help you. You must accomplish the rest yourself."

  "But, my sweet imp, recollect—"

  "I recollect I have a master," interrupted the familiar.

  "And a mistress, too," cried the hag; "and she will chastise thee if thou art disobedient. I command thee to carry off this girl."

  "I have already told you I dare not, and I now say I will not," replied Fancy.

  "Will not!" shrieked the hag. "Thou shalt smart for this. I will bury thee in the heart of this mountain, and make thee labour within it like a gnome. I will set thee to count the sands on the river's bed, and the leaves on the forest trees. Thou shalt know neither rest nor respite."

  "Ho! ho! ho!" laughed Fancy, mockingly.

  "Dost deride me?" cried the hag. "I will do it, thou saucy jackanapes. For the last time, wilt obey me?"

  "No," replied Fancy, "and for this reason—your term is out. It expired at midnight."

  "It is false!" shrieked the hag, in accents of mixed terror and rage. "I have months to run, and will renew it."

  "Before midnight, you might have done so; but it is now too late—your reign is over," rejoined Fancy. "Farewell, sweet mistress. We shall meet once again, though scarcely under such pleasant circumstances as heretofore."

  "It cannot be, my darling Fancy; thou art jesting with me," whimpered the hag; "thou wouldst not delude thy doating mistress thus."

  "I have done with thee, foul hag," rejoined the familiar, "and am right glad my service is ended. I could have saved thee, but would not, and delayed my return for that very purpose. Thy soul was forfeited when I came back to thy hut."

  "Then curses on thee for thy treachery," cried the hag, "and on thy master, who deceived me in the bond he placed before me."

  The familiar laughed hoarsely.

  "But what of Mother D
emdike?" pursued the hag. "Hast thou no comfort for me? Tell me her hour is likewise come, and I will forgive thee. But do not let her triumph over me."

  The familiar made no answer, but, laughing derisively, stamped upon the ground, and it opened to receive him.

  "Alizon!" cried Mistress Nutter, who in the mean time had vainly endeavoured to rouse her daughter to full consciousness, "fly with me, my child. The enemy is at hand."

  "What enemy?" asked Alizon, faintly. "I have so many, that I know not whom you mean."

  "But this is the worst of all—this is Mother Demdike," cried Mistress Nutter. "She would take your life. If we can but conceal ourselves for a short while, we are safe."

  "I am too weak to move," said Alizon; "besides, I dare not trust you. I have been deceived already. You may be an evil spirit in the likeness of my mother."

  "Oh! no, I am indeed your own—own mother," rejoined Mistress Nutter. "Ask this old woman if it is not so."

  "She is a witch herself," replied Alizon. "I will not trust either of you. You are both in league with Mother Demdike."

  "We are in league to save thee from her, foolish wench!" cried Mother Chattox, "but thy perverseness will defeat all our schemes."

  "Since you will not fly, my child," cried Mistress Nutter, "kneel down, and pray earnestly for deliverance. Pray, while there is yet time."

  As she spoke, a growl like thunder was heard in the air, and the earth trembled beneath their feet.

  "Nay, now I am sure you are my mother!" cried Alizon, flinging herself into Mistress Nutter's arms; "and I will go with you."

  But before they could move, several dusky figures were seen rushing towards them.

  "Be on your guard!" cried Mother Chattox; "here comes old Demdike with her troop. I will aid you all I can."

  "Down on your knees!" exclaimed Mistress Nutter.