 Book 3, Chapter 4 of The Lancashire Witches. The Lancashire Witches, a romance of Pendle Forest, by William Harrison Ainsworth. Book 3, Houghton Tower. Chapter 4, The Gorge of Cleavager. The sun had already set as Nicholas Ascherton reached Toddmadham, then a very small village indeed, and a lighting at a little in near the church found the ale so good and so many boon-companions assembled to discuss it that he would feign have tarried with them for an hour or so, but prudence for once getting the better of inclination and suggesting that he had fifteen or sixteen miles still to ride over a rough and lonely road, part of which lay through the gorge of Cleavager, a long and solitary pass among the English Apennines, and moreover had a large sum of money about him, he tore himself away by a great effort. On quitting the smiling valley of Toddmadham, and drawing near the dangerous defile before mentioned, some misgivings crossed him, and he almost reproached himself with full hardiness in venturing within it at such an hour, and wholly unattended. Still recent cases of robbery, some of them attended by murder, had occurred within the pass, and these now occurred so forcibly to the squire, that he was half inclined to ride back to Toddmadham and engage two or three of the topers he had left at the inn to serve him as an escort as far as Burnley, but he dismissed the idea almost as soon as formed, and casting one look at the green and woody slopes around him, struck spurs into robin and dashed into the gorge. On the right towered a precipice, on the bare crest of which stood a heap of stones, piled like a column, the remains probably of a cairn. On this commanding point Nicholas perceived a female figure, dilated to gigantic proportions against the sky, who, as far as he could distinguish, seemed watching him, and making signs to him, apparently to go back, but he paid little regard to them, and soon afterwards lost sight of her. And almost inaccessible rocks of every variety of form and hue, some springing perpendicularly up like the spire of a church, others running along in broken ridges, or presenting the appearance of high embattled walls, here, riven into deep gullies, there opening into a wild, savage glens, fit spots for robber and bescade, now presenting a fair, smooth surface, now jagged, shattered, shelving, roughened with brushwood, sometimes bleached and hoary, as in the case of the pinnacle crag called the White Kirk, sometimes green with moss, or grey with lichen, sometimes, though but rarely, shaded with timber, as in the approach to the cavern called the Earl's Bower, but generally, bold and naked, and somber in tint as the colours employed by the savage Rosa. Search were the distinguishing features of the gorge of Cleveger when Nicholas traversed it. While the high embankments and mighty arches of a railway fill up its recesses and span its gullies, the roar of the engine is heard, where the cry of the bird of prey alone resounded, and clouds of steam upsurp the place on its crags. Formerly the high cliffs are bounded with hawks, the rocks echoed with their yells and screeches, and the spots adjoining their nests resembled, in the words of the historian of the district, Whitaker, little charnel houses for the bones of game. Formerly also, on some inaccessible point, built the rock eagle, and reared its brood from year to year. The gaunt wolf had once ravaged the glens, and the sly fox and fierce catamountin still harboured within them. Nor were those the only objects of dread. The superstitious declared the gorge was haunted by a frightful hirsuit demon eclipsed hobhurst. The general savage character of the ravine was relieved by some spots of exquisite beauty where the traveller might have lingered with delight, if apprehension of assault from robber or visit from hobhurst had not urged him on. Numbalous waterfalls gushing from fishers in the hills, coursed down their seamy sides, looking like threads of silver as they sprang from point to point. One of the most beautiful of these cascades, issuing from a gully in the rocks near the cavern called the Earl's Bower, fell in rainy seasons in one unbroken sheet of a hundred and fifty feet. Through the midst of the gorge ran a swift and brawling stream, known by the appellation of the caulder, but it must not be confounded with the river flowing past Whaley Abbey. The course of this impetuous current was not always restrained within its rocky channel, and when swollen by heavy rains it would frequently enfade the narrow causeway running beside it, and spreading over the whole width of the gorge rend the road almost impassable. Through this rocky and somber defile, by the side of the brawling caulder which dashed swiftly past him, Nicholas took his way. The hawks were yelling overhead, the rooks were calling on the topmost branches of some tall timber on which they built, a raven was croaking lustily in the wood, and a pair of eagles were soaring in the still glowing sky. By and by the glen contracted, and a wall of steep rocks on either side hemmed the shuddering traveller in. Instinctively he struck spurs into his horse and accelerated his pace. The narrow glen expands, the precipices fall further back, and the traveller breathes more freely. Still he does not relax his speed, for his imagination has been at work in the gloom, peopling his path with lurking robbers or grinning boggarts. He begins to fear he shall lose his gold, and execrates his folly for incurring such heedless risk, but it is too late now to turn back. It grows rapidly dusk, and objects become less and less distinct, assuming fantastical and fearful forms. A blasted tree, clinging to a rock and thrusting a bare branch across the road, walks to the squire like a bandit, and a white owl, bursting from a brush, scares him as if it had been hobhurst himself. However, in spite of these and other alarms, for which he is indebted to excited fancy, he hurries on, and is proceeding at a thundering pace, when all at once his horse comes to a stop, arrested by a tall female figure, resembling that seen near the mountain cairn at the entrance of the gorge. Mrs. Blood ran cold, for though in this case he could not apprehend plunder, he was fearful of personal injury, for he believed the woman to be a witch. Mustering up courage, however, he forced Robyn to proceed. If his progress was meant to be barred, a better spot for the purpose could not have been selected. A narrow road, scarcely two feet in width, ran round the ledge of a tremendous crag, jutting so far into the glen that it almost met the steep barrier of rocks opposite it. Between these precipitous crags dashed the river in a foaming cascade, nearly twelve feet in height, and the steep, narrow causeway winding beside it, as above described, was rendered excessively slippery and dangerous, from the constant cloud of spray arising from the fall. At the highest and narrowest point of the ledge, and occupying nearly the hole of its space, with an overhanging rock on one side of her and a roaring torrent on the other, stood the tall woman, determined apparently from her attitude and deportment to oppose the squire's further progress. As Nicholas advanced he became convinced that it was the same person he had seen near the can, but when her features grew distinguishable, he found to his surprise that it was Nance Redfern. Hello, Nance! He cried, what are you doing here, that, eh? Good to warn you, squire! She replied, you once did me a service, and I had not forgotten it. That's why I watched you from the can-cliffs, and motioned you to go back. But you didn't understand my signs, or wouldn't I eat them? So I have to come here to stay you. You're in danger, I tell you. In danger of what, my good woman? Demanded the squire uneasily. A-being robbed and plunderedly agh-gold, replied Nance, there are five men waiting to set upon you a mile further on at the boldest dawns. Indeed! exclaimed Nicholas. There, I get little for their pains, I have no money about me. Don't nothing to deceive me, squire! rejoined Nance. I know you borrowed three hundred pounds, he-gold, from young Richard Asherton, and as surely as you have it, and you're joking, so surely will you lose it, if you're done to turn back, or go on without me keeping your company? I have no objection on earth to your company, Nance, replied the squire. Quite the contrary! Now the devil should these rascals expect me, and above all, how should they conjecture I should come so well provided? For so to say, such is not ordinary the case with me. I know it right well, squire, replied Nance, with a laugh, but I have received certain information of your movements. There's only one person who could give them such information, cried Nicholas, but I cannot will not suspect him. If you're thinking that Laurence Fogg and they're far wide at Mark's fire, replied Nance, Fogg leagued with robbers impossible, exclaimed Nicholas. Yeah, it's neither impossible as all that, returned Nance, you're on stare when I tell you he's robbed you many a time, without you being aware of it, you're unwise enough to send him round to your friends to borrow money for you. Too so I was, but luckily no one would lend me any, said Nicholas. There you are, wrong, squire, for, unluckily, they all did, replied Nance, with a scarcely suppressed laugh, but I should all give them a hundred, Thomas Whittaker home and other, Richard Barker of Browles' home and other, and more in the same way. And the rascal pocketed it all and never brought me back at one farthing, cried Nicholas, in a transport of rage. I'll have him hanged. Sure, the hanging's too good for him. To deceive me, his friend, his benefactor, his patron, in such a manner, to dwell in my house, eat at my table, drink my wine, wear my abillimance, ride my horses, hunt with my hounds, as the dog know conscience. Very little I'm a-paid, replied Nance. And the worst of it is, continued the squire, new lights breaking upon him. I shall be liable for all the sums he's received. He was my confidential agent, and the lenders'll come upon me. He must be six or seven hundred pounds he's obtained in this nefarious way. Sounds, I shall go mad. You would have blamed for trusting him, squire, rejoined Nance. You ought to have made proper inquiries about him at first, and then you'd have found out what sort of chap he were. But now I tell you, Laurence Fogg is chief of a band of robbers, and all the black-and-villainous deeds done alight in this place have been perpetrated by his men. The bold gentleman was murdered by him in this very spot week of all last, and his body cast in river. Fogg, of course, had though, on t'ent thou deed, but he would know of interplay to prevent it, if he had been here, for he never scrupled shed in blood, and if he had been content with robbing no squire, I wouldn't have over-trade him. But when he proposed to cut your throttle, because, as he said, dead men tell no tales, I could out now longer, and result a geely warning. What a monstrous and unheard-of villain! cried the squire. What is he, one of the ambush-gade? Nance replied in the affirmative. Then, by heaven, I will confront him, I'll hew him down! pursued Nicholas, gripping the hilt of his sword. They're you, so I tell you, you'll be overpowered and killed, said Nance. Take me where, and I'll carry you safely through a moor. But gale on, and you'll never see Darnham again! And I, it's right, I should tell you, Laurence Fogg, where it is! What no wonder's in store for me! cried Nicholas. Who is he? Ah, maybe I heard that Mother Demdark had a son and a daughter. Nance, the daughter being the course Elizabeth device, and the son Christopher Demdark, being supposed to be dead. However, this is not the case, for Laurence Fogg is he. Ah, guessed as much when you began, said Nicholas. He has a cursively bad look about the eyes. The damned Demdark physiognomy! What an infernal villain the fellow must be! He's out of jot and natural failing. Why, as it's very dare-sisted that his nephew's capture and cause his own sister to be arrested. Oh, I've been properly duped to lodge a son of that infernal hag in my house, feed him, clothe him, make him my friend, take him the viper to my bosom. I've been rightly served, but he shall hang, he shall hang. Some consolation, though slight. But how do you know all this, Nance? Unacts me, she replied, wherever I've been to Christopher Demdark, I'll be him no love now, for I adore you, he's a black-hearted murdering villain. But let me get up behind you, and I'll bring you through scareth us, and to moral you may arrest the whole band at Milkin Tower. Milkin Tower! exclaimed the squire in fresh surprise. What, are these robbers taking up their quarter there? I can't show all the strange sights said to have been seen there, or late, which I treated as mere fables. But, ah, the terrible thought crosses me. What have I done? Mr. Sutter will be there to-night, and I have sent her. Death and destruction shall fall into their hands. I must go there at once. I cannot take any assistance with me. That would betray the poor lady. If you aren't trusting me, I can help you through the difficulty, replied Nance. It took then quickly thus, since it must be so, rejoined Nicholas. With this he moved forward, and, giving her his hand, she was instantly seated behind him upon Robin, who seemed in no way incommodated by his doubled burden, but dashed down the further side of the causeway in answer to a sharp application of the spur. Passing her arms round the squire's waist, Nance maintained her seat well, and in this way they rattled along, heedless of the increasing difficulties of the road, or the fast gathering gloom. The mile was quickly passed, and Nance whispered in the squire's ear that they were approaching the bolder stones. Presently they came to a narrow glen, half filled with huge rocky fragments, detached from the toppling precipices on either side, and forming an admirable place of ambuscade. One rock, larger than the rest, completely commanded the pass, and as the squire advanced, a thundering voice from it called him to stay, and the injunction being disregarded, the barrel of a gun was protruded from the bushes, covering its brow, and a shot fired at him. Though well-aimed, the ball struck the ground beneath his horse's feet, and Nicholas continued his way unmoved, while the faulty marksman jumped down the crag. At the same time, four other men started from their places of concealment behind the stones, and levelling their calibres at the fugitives fired. The sharp discharges echoed along the gorge, and the shots rattled against the rocks, but none of them took effect, and Nicholas might have gone on without further hindrance, but despite Nance's remonstrances, who urged him to go on, he pulled up to await the coming of the person who had first challenged him. Only an instant elapsed before he was beside the squire, and presented a patronel at his head. Notwithstanding the gloom, Nicholas recognised him. Ah! It's now a cursed traitor, cried Nicholas, but could scarcely believe in their villainy, but now I'm convinced. The jade you have got behind you has told you who I am, I see," replied Fogg. Oilset wither and none, but this will sigh further explanation from you. And he discharged the patronel full at the squire, but the ball rebounded as if his doublet had been quilted. It was, in fact, lined with gold. On seeing the squire unhurt, the robber-captain uttered an exclamation of rage and astonishment. You are a mystery, can you see, pervidious villain? cried Nicholas. You have yet to render an account of all the wrongs you have done me, but meantime you shall not pass unpunished. As he spoke, he snatched the patronel from Fogg, and with the butt-end, dealt him a tremendous blow on the head, felling to the ground. By this time the other robbers had descended from the rocks, and seeing the fall of their leader rushed forward to avenge him. But Nicholas did not tarry for any further encounter, but fully satisfied with what he had done, struck spurs into Robin and galloped off. For a few minutes he could hear the shouts of the men, but they soon afterwards died away. Little more than half the ravine had been traversed when the encounter above described took place, but though the road was still difficult and dangerous, and rendered doubly so by the obscurity, no further hindrance occurred till just as Nicholas was quitting the gloomy intricacies of the gorge and approaching the more open country beyond it. At this point Robin fell, throwing both him and Nance. When the animal rose again, he was found to be so much injured that it was impossible to mount him. There was no recourse but to proceed to Burnley, which was still three or four miles distant on foot. In this dilemma Nance volunteered to provide the squire with another steed, but he resolutely refused the offer. "'No, no, none of your broomsticks for me,' he cried. "'No devil's horses. I don't know where they may carry me. My own legs must serve me now. I'll just take poor Robin out of the road and then trudge off to Burnley as fast as I can.' With this he led the horse to a small green mead skirting the stream, and taking off his saddle and bridle, and depositing them carefully under a tree, he patted the animal on the neck, promising to return for him on the morrow, and then set off at a brisk pace with Nance walking beside him. They had not gone far, however, when the clattering of hooves was heard behind them, and it was evident that several horsemen were rapidly approaching. Nance stopped, listened for a moment, and then, declaring that it was Demdike and his band in pursuit, seized the squire's arm, and drew him out of the road and under the shelter of some bushes of hazel. The robber-captain could only have been stunned, it appeared, and as soon as he had recovered from the effects of the blow, had mounted his horse, which was concealed with those of his men, behind the rocks, and started after the fugitives. Such was the construction put upon the matter by Nance, and the event proved it correct. A loud shout from the horseman and a sudden halt proclaimed that poor Robin had been discovered, and this circumstance seemed to give great satisfaction to Demdike, who loudly declared that they were now sure of overtaking the runaways. They cannot be found off, he cried, but they will likely attempt to hide themselves, so look well about you. Also saying he rode on, and it was evident from the noise that the men implicitly obeyed his injunctions. Nothing however was found, and there many minutes Demdike came up, and glancing at the hazels behind which the fugitives were hidden, he discharged the patronel into the largest tree. But as no movement followed the report, he said, I thought I saw something move here, but I suppose I was mistaken. Now doubt they had gone on further than we expected, or have retired into some of the cluffs, in which case it will be useless to search for them. However, we will make sure of them in this way. Toa vio shall fore an ambush gate near home, and do farther on within half a mile of Burnley, and shall remain on watch till dawn, so that you will be sure to capture them, and when taken, make away with them without hesitation. Unless my scullard been of the strongest, that butchery squire would have cracked it, and he shall have no grace from me. And as to that treacherous witch, Nancy Redfern, she deserves death at her hands, and she shall have her deserts, I have long suspected her, and indeed was a fool to trust one of the vile Chateaux brood, who were all my natural enemies, and no matter, I shall have my revenge. The men, having promised compliance with their captain's command, he went on. As to myself, he said, I shall go forthwith, and as fast as my horse can carry me to Malkin Tower, and I would tell you why. It's not that I dislike the game we are upon, but I have better to blaze us now. Dom, sure the cockmaster is down and who is in my pay, rode over to Wiley this afternoon to bring me word that a certain lady who has long been concealed in the manor house will be taken to Malkin Tower to-night. The intelligence is certain, for he had obtained it from old Crouch, the oonsman, who is to escort her. Mistress Nutter, for you all know who I mean, will fall naturally into our hands, and we can ring any sums of money we like out of her. For though she has abandoned her property to her daughter, Ellison, she can no doubt have as much as she wants, and I will take care she asks for plenty, or I will try the effect of some of these instruments of torture, which I was lucky enough to find in the dungeons of Malkin Tower, and which we used for a like purpose by my predecessor Blackburn Freebooter. Are you content, my lads?" I, I, Captain Demdike, they replied, upon this the whole party set forward, and speedily out of hearing. As soon as they thought it prudent to come forth, the choir and nans emerged from their place of shelter. What is to be done? exclaimed the former, who was almost in a state of distraction. The villainous announces of attention, of going to Malkin Tower, and Mistress Nutter will assuredly fall into his hands, sure that I could stop him, or get there before him. Yeshan, if you like to ride with me, said nans. But how, in what way? asked Nicholas. Lay that temay, replied nans, breaking off a long branch of hazel. Take over this, she cried. The squire obeyed, and was instantly carried off his legs, and whisked through the air at a prodigious rate. He felt giddy and confused, but did not dare to leave go, lest he should be dashed to pieces, while nans' wild laughter rang in his ears. Over the bleached and perpendicular crag, startling the eagle from his eerie, over the yawning gully with the torrent roaring beneath him, over the sharp ridges of the hill, over Townley Park, over Burnley Steeple, over the wide valley beyond he went, until at last bewildered, out of breath, unlike one in a dream, he alighted on a brown, bare, heathy expanse, and within a hundred yards of a tall circular stone structure which he knew to be Malkin Tower. CHAPTER V. THE END OF MALKIN TOWER The shades of night had fallen on down a manor house, and with an aching heart and a strong presentiment of ill, Mr. Snutter prepared to quit the little chamber which had sheltered her for more than two months, and where she would willingly have breathed her last sigh if it had been permitted her. Closing the Bible she had been reading, she placed the sacred volume under her arm, and taking up a small bundle containing her slender preparations for travel, extinguished the taper, and then descended by a secret staircase, passed through a door, fashioned externally like a cupboard, and entered a summer-house, where she found old Crouch awaiting her. A few whispered words only passed between her and the huntsman, and informing her that the horses were in waiting at the back of the garden, he took the bundle from her, and would feign have relieved her also of the Bible, but she would not part with it, and pressing it more closely to her bosom, said she was quite ready to attend him. It was a beautiful starlit night, the air softened barmy, and laden with the perfume of the flowers. A nightingale was singing plaintively in a joining tree, and presently came a response equally tender from another part of the grove. Mr. Snutter could not choose but listen, and the melody so touched her that she was half suffocated by repressed emotion, for alas, the relief of tears was denied her. Motioning her somewhat impatiently to come on, Crouch struck into a somber valley, edged by clipped yew-trees, and terminating in a plantation through which a winding path led to the foot of the hill whereon the mansion was situated. By daylight this was a beautiful walk, affording exquisite glimpses through the trees of the surrounding scenery, and commanding a noble view of Pendle Hill, the dominant point in the prospect. But even now, to the poor lady so long immured in her cell-like chamber, and deprived of many of nature's choicest blessings, it appeared delightful. The fresh air, reddled unto pneumone hay, fanned her pale cheek and feverish brow, and allayed her agitation and excitement. The perfect stillness, broken only by the lowing of the cattle in the adjoining pastures, by the drowsy hum of the door-fly, or the rippling of the beck in the valley further calmed her, and the soothing influence was completed by a contemplation of the serene heavens wherein were seen the starry host, with the thin bright crescent of the new moon in the midst of them, diffusing a pearly light around her. One blot alone appeared in the otherwise smiling sky, and this was a great ugly black cloud, lowering over the summit of Pendle Hill. As Nutter noticed the portentous cloud, and noticed also its shadow on the hill, which might have been cast by the fiend himself, so like was it to a demonical shape without stretched wings. But, though shattering at the idea it suggested, she would not suffer it to obtain possession of her mind, but resolutely fixed her attention on the other and more pleasing objects. By this time they had reached the foot of the hill, and the gate admitted them to a road running by the side of Downham Beck. Here they found the horses in charge of a man in the dark red livery of Nicholas Ascherton, and who was no other than Tom Shaw, the rascally cockmaster. Delivering the bridles to crouch, the knave hastily strode away, but he lingered at a little distance to see the lady mount, and then, leaping the hedge, struck through the plantation towards the hall, linking the money in his pockets as he went, and thinking how cleverly he had earned it. But he did not go unpunished, for it is a satisfaction to record that in walking through the woods he was caught in a gin placed there by crouch, which held him fast in its iron teeth till morning, when he was discovered by one of the underkeepers, while going his rounds, in a deplorable condition, and lame for life. Meanwhile, unconscious either of the manner in which she had been betrayed, or of the punishment awaiting her betrayer, Mistress Nutter followed her conductor in silence. For a while the road continued by the side of the brook, and then, quitting it, commenced a long and tedious ascent, running between high banks fringed with trees. The overhanging boughs rendered it so dark that Mistress Nutter could scarcely distinguish the old huntsman, though he was not many yards in advance of her, but she heard the tramp of his horse, and that was enough. All at once, where the boughs were thickest and the road darkest, she perceived a small fiery object on the bank, and in her alarm called out to the huntsman, who, looking back for a moment, laughed, and told her not to be uneasy, for it was only a glow-worm. Ashamed of her idle fears, she rode on, but had not proceeded far when, looking again at the bank, she saw it studded with the same lights. This time she did not call out or scream, but gazed steadily at the twinkling fires, hoping to get the better of her fears. Her alarm, however, rose to absolute terror, as she beheld the glow-worms, if glow-worms they were, twist together, and form themselves into a flaming brand, such as she had seen in her vision, grasped by the angel, who had driven her from the gates of Paradise. Averting her gaze, she would have hastened on, but her hand suddenly laid upon her bridle, held back her horse, and she then perceived a tall, dark man, mounted on a sable steed, riding beside her. The supernatural character of the horseman was manifest, in as much as no sound was caused by the tread of his steed, nor did he appear to be visible to crouch when the latter looked back. Mr. Snutter maintained her seat with difficulty, she well knew who was her companion. So, Alice Snutter, said the horseman at length in a low, deep tone, you have chosen to shut yourself up in a narrow cell, like a recluse for more than two months, denying yourself all sort of enjoyment, practicing severest abstinence, and passing your whole time in useless prayer. Ah, useless! for if you were to pray from now till doomsday, come when it will, a thousand years hence, or to-morrow, it will not save you. When you signed that bond to my master, sentence was recorded against you, and no power can recall it. Why, then, these unavailing lamentations, why utter prayers which are rejected, and supplications which are scorned, shake off this weakness, Alice, and be yourself again? Once you had prayed enough, and a little of it would now be of service to you, you would then see the folly of this abject conduct, humbling yourself to the dust only to be spurned, and suing for mercy only to be derided. Pray as loud and long as you will, the ears of heaven will remain ever deaf to you. I hope otherwise. Rejoined the lady meekly. Do not deceive yourself, replied the horseman. The term granted you by your compact will not be abridged, but it is your own fault if it be not extended. Your daughter is destroying herself in the vain hope of saving you. Her prayers are as unavailing as your own, and recoil from the judgment thrown unheard. The youth upon whom her affections is fixed is stricken with a deadly ailment. It is in your power to save them both. Mistress Nutter groaned deeply. It is in your power, I say, to save them. Continue the horseman, by returning your allegiance to your master. He will forgive your disobedience if you prove yourself zealous in his service, will restore you to your former world reposition, avenge you of your enemies, and accomplish all you may desire with respect to your daughter. He cannot do it, replied Mistress Nutter. I rot, echoed the horseman, try him. For many years I have served you as familiar, and you have never set me the task I have failed to execute. I am ready to become your servant again, and to offer you a yet larger range of control. Put no limits to your desires or ambition. If you are tired of this narrow sphere, take a wider. Look abroad, but do not shut yourself up in a narrow cell and persuade yourself you are accomplishing your ultimate deliverance, when you are only wasting precious time, which might be more advantageously and far more agreeably employed. While laughing at your folly, my master deploys it, and he has therefore sent me as to one for whom, notwithstanding all their elections from duty, he has still a regard, with an offer of full forgiveness, providing you return to him at once, and renew your covenant, proving your sincerity by casting from you the work you hold under your arm. Your snares are not laid subtle enough to catch me, replied Mistress Nutter. I will never part with this holy volume, which is my present safeguard, and on which I build my hopes of salvation, hopes which your very proposals have revived in my breast, for I am well assured your master would not make them, if he felt confident of his power over me. No, I defy him, and you and I command you in heaven's name to get hence, and to tempt me no longer. As the words were uttered, with a howl of rage and mortification like the roar of a wild beast, the dark horseman and his steed vanished. Alarmed by the sound, Crouch stopped, and questioned the lady as to its cause, but receiving no satisfactory explanation from her, he bade her ride quickly on, affirming it must be the boggard of the cloth. Soon after this they again came upon down and back, and were about to cross it when their purpose was arrested by a joyous barking, and the next moment grip came up. The dog, it appeared, had been shut up in the stable, his company not being desired on the expedition, but contriving in some way or other to get out, he had centred his master's course, and in the end overtaken him. Crouch did not know whether to be angry or pleased, and at first gave utterance to an oath, and raised his whip to chastise him, but almost instantly the latter feeling predominated, and he welcomed the faithful animal with a few kind words. Ah, suppose they thought couldn't do we out, they grip, he said, and may out thou art rate. They are now across the back, and speeding over the wide brown waist. The huntsman warily shapes his course, so as to avoid any limestone quarries or turf pits. He points out a jack-o'-lantern dancing merrily on the surface of a dangerous morass, and tells a dismal tale of a traveller lured into it by the delusive light, and swallowed up. Mistress Nutter pays little heed to him, but Everond and Onne looks back, as if in dread of someone behind her, but no one is visible, and she only sees the great black cloud still hovering over Pendle Hill. On, on they go, their horses hooves now splashing through the wet sod, now beating on the firm but elastic turf. A merry ride it would be if their errand were different, and their hearts free from care. The air is fresh and reviving, and the rapid motion exhilarating. The stars shine out, and the crescent moon is still glittering in the heavens, but the black cloud hangs motionless on Pendle Hill. Now and then some bird of night flies past them, and they hear the whooping of the owl, and see him skimming like a ghost over the waist. Then more fenfires arise, showing that other treacherous quagmars are at hand, but crouch skirts them safely. Now the bullfrog croaks in the marsh, and a deep booming tells of a bittern passing by. They see the mighty bird above them, with his wide heavy wings and long neck. Grip howls at him, but is instantly checked by his master, and they gallop on. They are now by the side of Pendle Water, and within sight of Rough Lee. What tumultuous thoughts agitate the lady's breast. The ground she tramples on was once her own. The woods by the riverside were planted by her. The mansion before her once owned her as mistress, and now she dares not approach it. Nor does she desire to do so, for the sight of it brings back terrible recollections, and fills her again with despair. They are now close upon it, and it appears dark, silent, and deserted. How different from what it was of your, in her husband's days, the husband she had foul this lane. Speed on, old huntsman, lash your panting horse, or the remorseful lady will far outstrip you, for she rides as if the offending furries were at her heels. She is rattling over the bridge, and Crouch toiling after her, and with Grip toiling after him, shouts to her to moderate her pace. She looks back, and beholds the grim old house frowning full upon her, and hurries on. Huntsman and Dog are left behind for a while, but the steep ascent soon compels her to slacken speed, and they come up, Crouch swearing lustily, and Grip, with his tongue out of his mouth, limping as if footsaw. The road now leads through a thicket. The horses stumble frequently, for the stones are loose, and the footing consequently uncertain. Crouch has a fall, and there he can remount, the lady is gone. It is useless to hurry after her, and he is proceeding slowly when Grip, who is a little in advance, growls fiercely, and looks back at his master as if to intimate that danger is at hand. The Huntsman presses on, but he is too late, if indeed he could at any time have rendered effectual assistance. A clearing in the thicket shows him the lady dismounted, and surrounded by several wild-looking men armed with calibres. Part of the band bear her shrieking off, and the rest fire at him, but without effect, and then chase him as far as the steepest part of the hill, down which he dashes, followed by Grip. Arriving at the bottom he pauses to listen if he has pursued, and hearing nothing further to alarm him, debates with himself what is best to be done, and not liking to alarm the village, for that would be to betray Mistress Nutter. He gets off his horse, ties him to a tree, and with Grip closer to his heels commences the ascent of the hill by a different road from that he had previously taken. Meanwhile, Mistress Nutter's captors drag her forcibly towards the tower. Their arms and appearance left her no doubt they were depraviters, and she sought to convince them she had neither money nor valuables in her possession. They laughed at her assertions, but made no other reply. Her sole consolation was that they did not seek to deprive her of her Bible. On reaching the tower a signal was given by one of the foremost of the band, and the steps being lowered from the high doorway she was compelled to ascend them, and being pushed along a short passage obscured by a piece of thick tapestry, but which was drawn aside as she advanced, she found herself in a circular chamber, in the midst of which was a massive table covered with flasks and drinking-cups, and stained with wine. From the roof, which was crossed by great black beams of oak, was suspended a lamp with three burners, whose light showed that the walls were garnished with patronels, rapiers, one-yards, and other murderous weapons. Besides these there were hung from pegs, long riding cloaks, sombreros, vizards, and other robber accoutrements, including a variety of disguises, from the clown's frieze jerkin, to the gentleman's velvet doublet, ready to be assumed on an emergency. Here and there was an open valise, or a pair of saddle-bags with their contents thrown about the floor, and on a bench were a dice-box and shuffle-board, showing with the flasks and goblets on the table how the occupants of the tower passed their time. A steep ladder-like flight of steps led to the upper chamber, and down these, at the very moment of Mistress Nutter's entrance, descended a stalwart personage, who eyed her fiercely as he leapt upon the floor. There was something in the man's truculent physiognomy and strange and oblique vision that reminded her of Mother Demdike. Welcome to Malkin Tower, madam! said the robber with a grin, and doffing his cap with affected courtesy. We have met before, but it is many years ago, and I dare say you will have forgotten me. You will guess who I am, when I tell you my mother occupied this tower before me. Finding Mistress Nutter made no remark. He went on. I am Christopher Demdike, madam. Captain Demdike, I should say. The brave fellows who have brought you with them are part of my band. Until lately Northumberland and the borders of Scotland used to be our scene of action. But chancing to hear of my worthy old mother's death, I thought we could not do better than take possession of her stronghold, which devolved upon me by a right of inheritance. Since our arrival here, we have kept ourselves very quiet, and the country folk, taking us for spirits or demons, never approach our hiding place, while as our depredations are confined to distant parts, our retreat has never been suspected. This concerns me very little, observed Mistress Nutter coldly. Pardon me, madam. It concerns you very much, as you will learn and on. But besieged I pray you," he said, with moxibility, I am keeping you standing all this while. But as the lady declined the attention, he went on. I was fortunate enough, while first going back to this part of the country, to pick up an acquaintance with the old relative, Nicholas Axiotton, who invited me to stay with him at Downham, and was so well pleased with my society that he could not endure it apart with me. "'Indeed!' explained Mistress Nutter. "'Are you the person he calls Lawrence Fong?' "'The same,' replied Demdike. "'And now that you would air a good report to me, madam, when it's suited my purpose to stay. For I was very hospitably entertained by the squire, though except being rather too much addicted to lectures and psalms singing, he's as pleasant an host as one could desire. Besides which he was obliging enough to employ me to borrow money from him, and what I got are kept, y'all may be sure. "'I would willingly despair the details of your navery,' said Mistress Nutter, somewhat impatiently. "'I am coming to an end,' rejoined Demdike, and then perhaps you may wish I had prolonged them. All the squire's secrets were committed to me, and I was fully aware of your concealment in your, but I could never ask the time precisely where you were lodged. I meant to carry you off, and only awaited the opportunity which presented itself to-night. "'If you think to obtain money from me, you will find yourself mistaken,' said Mistress Nutter. "'I have parted with all my possessions.' "'But, o madam,' cried Demdike with a sinister smile, "'to your daughter, and I'm sure she's too gentle, too tender-hearted to allow you to suffer when she can relieve you. "'You almost get us a good ransom from her, or I will be tamed here along. The dungeons are dark and unwholesome, and my band are apt to be harsh in their treatment of captives. They have found in the vault some instruments of torture, belonging to old Blackburn, the free-boater. The efficacy of which, in an obstinate case, I fear they might be inclined to try. You now begin to see the drift of my discourse, madam, and understand the sort of men you have to deal with, barbarous fellas, madam, in yeoman dogs.' And he laughed coarsely at his own jocularity. "'It may put an end to this discussion,' said Mistress Nutter firmly, if I declare that no torture shall induce me to make any such demand from my daughter. "'You think perhaps I'm jesting with you, madam?' rejoined Demdike. "'Oh, no! I believe you're capable of any atrocity,' replied the lady. "'You do not, either in feature or deals, be like your parentage.' "'Oh, say it so, madam,' cried Demdike. "'You have a sharp dog, I find. courtesy is thrown away on you. What old lads, Kenyon and Louton, take the lady down the vaults, and there let her have an hour for solitary reflection. She might change her mind in that dame.' "'Do not think it,' cried Mistress Nutter resolutely. "'If you continue obstinate, we will find means to move you.' rejoined Demdike in a taunting tone. "'But what has she got beneath her arm?' "'Give me the book.' "'What's this, a Bible? A witch with a Bible? He should be a grimoire.' "'Give it to me back, I implore of you,' shrieked the lady. "'I shall be destroyed, soul and body, if I have it not with me.' "'What? You'll have tried the devil by carrying you off without it?' roared Demdike. That would not save my purpose at present. Here, take it, and there, off with her lads, that more ado.' And as he spoke, a trap-door was opened by one of the robbers, disclosing a flight of steps leading to the subterranean chambers, down which the miserable lady was dragged.' Presently the two men reappeared, with a grim smile on their ruffianly countenances. And as they closed the trap-door, one of them observed to the captain that they had chained her to a pillar by removing the band from the great skeleton and passing it round her body. "'You have done well, lads,' replied Demdike approvingly, and there go on all of you and scour the ill-top and return in an hour, and we will decide upon what is to be done with this woman.' The two men then joined the rest of their comrades outside, and the whole troupe descended the steps which were afterwards drawn up by Demdike. This done the robber-captain returned to the circular chamber, and for some time paced to and fro, revolving his dark schemes. He then paused, and placing his ear near the trap-door, listened. But as no sound reached him, he sat down at the table, and soon grew so much absorbed as to be unconscious that a dark figure was creeping stealthily down the narrow staircase behind him. "'Oh, can it get rid of Nicholas Asherton?' he exclaimed at length. "'Oh, somehow fancy we shall meet again, and yet all should be over with him by this time.' "'Look round!' thundered the voice behind him. "'Nicholas Asherton is not to be got rid of so easily.' At this unexpected summons Demdike started to his feet, and recoiled aghast as he saw what he took to be the ghost of the murdered squire standing before him. A second look, however, convinced him that it was no phantom he beheld, but a living man armed for vengeance and determined upon it. "'Get a weapon, Bellon!' cried Nicholas, in tones of concentrated fury. "'I do not wish to take unfair advantage, even of thee!' Without a word of reply Demdike snatched the sword from the wall, and the next moment was engaged in deadly strife with the squire. They were well matched, for both were powerful men, both expert in the use of their weapons, and the combat might have been protracted, and of doubtful issue, but for the irresistible fury of Nicholas, who assaulted his adversary with such vigor and determination that he speedily drove him against the wall, where the latter made an attempt to seize a patronel hanging beside him, but his purpose being divined he received a thrust through the arm, and dropping his blade lay at the squire's mercy. Nicholas shortened his sword, but forbore to strike. Seizing his enemy by the throat he hurled him to the ground, and planting his knee on his chest called out, "'But, oh, Nance!' "'Nance!' exclaimed Demdike. "'Did it was that mischievous gydo brought you here?' "'I,' replied the squire, as the young woman came quickly down the steps, and I refused her aid in the conflict, because I felt certain of mastering thee, and because I would not take odds even against such a treacherous villain as thou art.' "'Better dispatch him, squire,' said Nance. "'He may do you mischief yet.' "'No, no,' replied Nicholas. "'He's unworthy of a gentleman's sword. Besides, I'll swan to hang him, and I will keep my word.' "'Go down in vaults and liberate Mr. Snutter while I bind him, for we must deck him with us. "'Tomorrow he shall lie in Lancaster Castle with his skin folk.' "'That reminds to be seen,' muttered Demdike. "'Beyon your guard, squire,' cried Nance, as she lifted a small lamp and raised the trapdoor. With this caution she descended to the vaults, while Nicholas, looking about for a thong, and perceiving a rope dangling down the wall near him, he seized it, drawing it with some force towards him. A sudden sound reached his ears. "'Clang, clang!' He had rung the alarm-bell violently. "'Clang, clang, clang! Would it never stop?' Taking advantage of his surprise and consternation, Demdike got away from under him, sprang to his feet, and rushing to the doorway instantly let fall the steps, roaring out, "'Traison, to the rescue, my men, to the rescue!' His cries were immediately answered from without, and it was evident from the tumult that the whole of the man were hurrying to his assistance. Not a moment was to be lost by the squire. Plunching through the trapdoor he closed it after him, and bolted it underneath. At the very moment the robbers entered the chamber. Demdike's rage at finding him gone was increased, when all the combined efforts of his men failed in forcing open the trapdoor. "'Take it, son, you it open!' He cried. "'We must have them! I've heard there is a sacred outlet below, and though I've never been able to discover it, it might be none to nance. I'll go outside and watch. If you hear me whistle, come forth instant!' And rushing forth he was making the circuit of the tower, and examining some bushes at its base, when his throat was suddenly seized by a dog, and before he could even utter an exclamation, much less sound his whistle or use his arms, he was grappled by the old huntsman, and dragged off to a considerable distance, the dog still clinging to his throat. Meanwhile Nicholas had hurried down into the vaults, where he found Nan's sustaining mistress Nutter, who was half-fainting, and hastily explaining what had occurred, she consigned the lady to him, and then laid the way through the central range of pillars, and passed the ebony image, until she approached the wall. When holding up the lamp she revealed a black marble slab between the statues of Blackburn and Disol. Pressing against it, the slab moved on one side, and disclosed a flight of steps. Go up there, cried Nan's to the squire, and when you get to the top you'll find another stone we are knobbing it. You can't omit it, go on! But you, cried the squire, will you not come with us? I'm come presently, replied Nan's with a strange smile, I somewhat the dove first, that cunning Fox Demdack has set a trap for himself and all his followers, and it's for me to catch him. Right for me about a hundred yards from Tower. Nair nearer, you understand? Nicholas did not very clearly understand, but concluding Nan's had some hidden meaning in what she said, he resolved unhesitatingly to obey her. Having got clear of the Tower, as directed with Mistress Nutter, he ran on with her to some distance, when what was his surprise to find Crouch and Grip keeping watch over the prostrate robber-chief. A few words from the huntsman suffice to explain how this had come about, but they were scarcely uttered, when Nan's rushed up in breathless haste, crying off, a-pertured off, as y'all value your lives! Seeing from her manner that delay would be dangerous, Nicholas and Crouch laid hold of the prisoner, and bore him away between them, while Nan's assisted Mistress Nutter along. They had not gone far when a rumbling sound, like that preceding an earthquake, was heard. All looked back towards Malkin Tower. The structure was seen to rock, flames burst from the earth, and with a tremendous explosion heard for miles around, which shook the ground where Nicholas and the others stood, the whole of the unhallowed fabric, from base to summit, was blown into the air. Some of the stones being projected to an extraordinary distance. A mine charged with gunpowder, it appeared, had been laid beneath the vaults by Demdike, with a view to its destruction at some future period, and this circumstance being known to Nan's, she had fired the train. Not one of the robbers within the tower escaped. The bodies of all were found the next day, crushed, burned, or frightfully mutilated. End of Chapter 5 Book 3 Chapter 6 of The Lancashire Witches This Librabox recording is in the public domain. Reading by Andy Mentor The Lancashire Witches A Romance of Pendle Forest by William Harrison Ainsworth Book 3 Houghton Tower Chapter 6 Houghton Tower About a month after the occurrence last described, and early on a fine morning in August, Nicholas Ashton and Richard Sherbourne rode together from the proud town of Preston. Both were gaily attired in doublets and hoes of yellow velvet slashed with white silk with mantles to match, the latter being somewhat conspicuously embroidered on the shoulder with a wild bull worked in gold, and underneath it the motto Malgré le Tour. Followed at a respectful distance by four mounted attendants, the two gentlemen had crossed the bridge over the Ribble, and were wending their way along the banks of a tributary stream, the Darwin, within a short distance of the charming village of Walton-Lidale, when they perceived a horseman advancing slowly towards them, whom they instantly hailed as Richard Ashton, and pushing forward was soon beside him. Both were much shocked by the young man's haggard looks, and inquired anxiously as to his health, but Richard, bad them with a melancholy smile, not to be uneasy, for all would be well with him ere long. Oh, we'll be over with you, lad, if you don't mind, and that's perhaps what you mean, replied Nicholas, but as soon as the royal festivals at Houghton are over, I'll sit about your care, and what's more I'll accomplish it, for I know where the seat of the disaster lies, better than Dr. Morphew, your family physician at Middleton, which is near the heart, Dick, near the heart. See, I've touched you, lad. But, Mishro, may you are very strangely attired in a suit of sable velvet, with a black Spanish hat and feather for a festival. You look as if you're going to a funeral. I'm fearful that his Majesty may take it amiss. Why not wear the livery of our house? Nay, if it comes to that, rejoin Richard, why do not you and Sherbourne wear it, instead of flaunting like doors in borrowed plumage? I scarce know you in your strange garb, and certainly should not take you for an Asherton, or all pertaining to our family, from your gaudy colors and the strange badge on your shoulder. Ah, don't wonder at it, Dick, said Nicholas. I scarce know me self, and though the clothes I wear are well made enough, they seem to sit awkwardly on me, and trouble me as much as the shirt of Nessus did Hercules evolve. For the nonce I am Sir Richard Houghton's retainer. I must know, and I was angry with myself when I saw Sir Ralph Asherton with his long train of gentlemen, all in murry-coloured cloaks and doublets at Myerscuff Lodge, while I, his cousin, was habited like one of another house. When I would have excused my apparent defection to Sir Ralph, he answered coldly. It was better as it was for he could scarcely have found Rome for me among his friends. Do not wretch yourself, Nicholas, rejoin Sherbourne, Sir Ralph cannot reasonably take offence at a mere piece of good nature on your part, but this does not explain why Richard affects a color so sombre. I am the retainer of one whose livery is sombre, replied the young man with a ghastly smile. But enough of this, he added, endeavouring to assume a livelier air. I suppose you're on your way to Houghton Tower. I thought to reach Preston before you were up, but I might have recollected you a no-lager bed, Nicholas, not even after hard drinking overnight, as witness your feats at Whaley. To be frank with you, I feared being led into like-excesses, and so preferred passing the night at the quiet little inn at Waltonly Dale, to coming on to you at the castle at Preston, which I knew would be full of noisy roisterers. Full it was, even dove of lowing, replied the squire. But you should have come, Dick! For by my troth we had a ripe, merry night of it. Stephen Amateur, the very field peal, with his wife and his sister, sweet, mestrous doll-lister, subvious, and we had music, dancing, and singing, and the abundance of good cheer. Nouns, Dick! Doll-listers are delightful lass, and if you can only get Alison out of your head, would be just the wife for you. She sings like an angel, as the most captivating, sigh-and-die-away manor, and the prettiest rounded figure every body's kept in. Well, I know, bless, I should know where to choose. But you'll see her at Halton to-day, for she is to be at the banquet and mask. Your description does not tempt me, said Richard. I have no taste for sigh-and-die-away damsels. Dorothy Lister, however, is accounted fair enough, but were she as fascinating as Venus herself, in my present mood I should not regard her. Ifet, lad, I bid to you, if such be the case, shrugging his shoulders more in contempt than in compassion. Waste not your sympathy upon me, replied Richard, but tell me, how went the show at Preston yesterday? Excellently well, and much to his majesty's satisfaction, answered the squire. Broward Preston was never so proud before, and never with such good reason. For if the people be poor, according to the proverb, they took good care to hide their poverty. Bombards were fired from the bridge, and the church bells rang loud enough to crack the staple, and bring it down about the ears of the deafened leges. The houses were hung with carpets and arrows, the streets strewn ankle-deep with sand and saw-dust, the cross in the marketplace was bedecked with garlands of flowers like a maple, and the cundit near it ran wine. At noon there was moor-firing, and amidst flourishes a trumpet, rolling of drums, squeaking of fives, and prodigious shouting, Bonnie King Jamie came to the cross, where a speech was made to him by Master Breers the recorder, after which the corporation presented his majesty with a huge silver ball in token of their love and loyalty. The king seemed highly pleased with the gift, and observed to the doke a book in them, loud enough to be heard by the bystanders, who reported his speech to me, Gold Santy, it's a broad beaker-stainer, and might serve for a christening cup if we had need of sticking a vessel, which never be praised, Rihanna. After this there was a grand banquet in the town hall, and when the ease of the day was over, the king left with his train for Hampton Tower, visiting Allam Martin's on the way there. We are bidden to breakfast by Sir Richard, so we must push on deep for his majesty's an early rise, and that myself. We'd have rare sport to-day, nothing in the morning, a banquet, and as I've already intimated a mask at night, in which Sir George Goring and Sir John Finnis will play, and in which I have been solicited to take the trolling part of Gemtosport. There, laugh not, Dick, sure, but one says I shall play it to the life, as well as find some mirthful dame to enact the companion part of Dolwango. I've spoken with two or three on the subject, and I fancy one of them will oblige me. There's another matter in which I am engaged. I am to present a petition to his majesty. From a great number of the lower orders in this county, pray and be allowed to make their diversions, as of all the custom, after divine service on Sunday. Though I am the last man to desire any violation of the Sabbath, being somewhat puritanically inclined as they now phrase it, yet I cannot think any arm can entheo from lawful recreation and honest exercise. Still I would only want the children to present the petition rather than myself. Have no misgivings on the subject, said Richard, but urge the matter strongly, and if you need support, I will give you all I can, for I feel we are best observing the divine mandate by making the Sabbath a day of rest and observing it cheerfully. This, I apprehend, is the substance of your petition. No, some and substance, replied Nicholas, and I have reason to believe his majesty's wishes are in accordance with it. They are known to be so, said Sherbourne. I'm glad to hear it, cried Richard. God save King James, the friend of the people. Ah, God save King James, echoed Nicholas, and if he grant this petition we will prove himself their friend, for we will have all the clergy against him, and be preached against from half the bullpits in the kingdom. Little harm will ensue if it should be so, replied Richard, for he will be cheered and protected by the prayers of a grateful and happy people. They then rode on for a few minutes in silence, after which Richard inquired, You had brave doings at Myerscove Lodge, I suppose, Nicholas? Ah, and I had we, answered the squire, and the feasting must have cost Ned Till's there pretty penny. Besides the king and his old particular attendance, there were some dozen noblemen and their followers, including the Duke of Buckingham, who moves about like a king himself. And I know not how many knights and gentlemen. Sherbourne and I rode over from Dunno, and reached the forest immediately after the king had entered it in his coach. So we took a shortcut through the woods, and came in just in time to join Sir Richard Alton's train, as he was riding up to his majesty. Fancy a wide glade, down which a great gilded coach is slowly moving, drawn by eight horses, and followed by host of noblemen and gentlemen in splendid apparel, their esquires and pages equally richly arrayed and equally well mounted. And after these, numerous hawkers, huntsmen, breakers, foresters and yeoman, with staghounds in lace, and hawk on fist, all ready for the sport. Fancy all this if you can, Dickon, then conceive what a brave sight it must have been. Well, as I said, we came up in the very nick of time, for presently the royal coach stopped, and Sir Richard Alton, calling all his gentlemen around him, and bidden us dismount, we followed him, and drew up bedded before the king, whilst Sir Richard pointed out to his majesty the boundaries of the royal forest, and told him he would find it as well stocked with deer as any in his kingdom, before putting an end to the conference, the king complimented the worthy knight on the gallant appearance of his train, and on learning we were all gentlemen graciously signified his pleasure that some of us should be presented to him. Among others I was brought forward by Sir Richard, and, liking my looks, I suppose, the king was condescending enough to enter into conversation with me, and as his discourse chiefly turned on sporting matters, I was at home with him at once, and he presently grew so familiar with me that I almost forgot the presence in which I stood. However, his majesty seemed in no way offended by my freedom, that on the contrary clapped me on the shoulder and said, Mayster, I should enter the country, gentlemen, your will mannered them well informed, and I shall be glad to see more of you while I stay in these parts. After this the good-natured monarch mounted his horse, and the hunting began, and a famous day's work we made of it, his majesty killing no further than five fine books with his own hand. You are clearly on the road to preferment, Nicholas, observed Richard with a smile. You will upstrip Buckingham himself if you go on in this way. So I tell him, observed Sherburne laughing, and by my faith, young Sir Gilbert Houlton, who, owing to his connection by marriage with Buckingham, is a greater man than his father, Sir Richard, looked quite jealous. For the king more than once called out to Nicholas in the chase, and talked a wooden knife from him when he broke up the last near, which is accounted a mark of special favour. Yeah, well, gentlemen, said the squire, I shall not stand in my own light, depend upon it, and if I should bask in court sunshine, you shall partake of the rays. If I do become master of that, sold in lieu of the Duke of Richmond, or master of the horse, and cut there into his majesty in place of his grace of Buckingham, I will not forget you. Oh, we are greatly indebted to you, my lord Marquis of Downerman, Duke of Pendle Hill, that is to be. Rejoin Sherburne, taking off his cap with mock reverence, and perhaps, for the sake of your sweet sister and my spouse Dorothy, you will make interest have me appointed gentleman of the bed chamber. Oh, doubt it not, doubt it not, replied Nicholas in a patronising tone. My ambition soars higher than yours, Sherburne, said Richard, I must be lord keeper of the privy seal or nothing. What you will, gentlemen, what you will, cried Nicholas, you can ask me nothing I will not grant, always providing I have the mains. A turn in the road now showed them out in tower, crowning the summit of an isolated and conical hill, about two miles off. Rising proudly in the midst of a fair and fertile plain, watered by the Ribble and the Darwin, this stately edifice seemed to command the whole country. And so King James thought, as from the window of his chamber he looked down upon the magnificent prospect around him, comprehending on the one hand the vast forests of Myerscuff and Boland, stretching as far as the fells near Lancaster, and on the other, an open but still undulating country, beautifully diversified with wood and water, well peopled and well cultivated, green with luxuriant pastures, yellow with golden grain, or emboured with orchards, boasting many villages and small towns, as well as two lovely rivers, which, combining their currents at Walton Liddale, gradually expanded till they neared the sea, which could be seen gleaming through openings in the distant hills. As the King surveyed this fair scene, and thought how strong was the position of the mansion, situated as it was upon the high cliffs, springing abruptly from the Darwin, and how favourably circumstances with its forests and park, for the enjoyment of the chase of which he was passionately varned, how capable of defence, and how well adapted for a hunting-seat, he sighed to think it did not belong to the Crown, nor was he wrong in his estimate of its strength. For in after years, during the Civil Wars, it held out stoutly against the parliamentary forces, and was only reduced at last by treachery, when part of its gate tower was blown up, destroying an officer and two hundred men, in that blast most woefully. Though the hour was so early, the road was already thronged, not only with horsemen and pedestrians of every degree, from Preston, but with rude lumbering vehicles from the neighbouring villages of Plessington, Brockholes, and Curden, driven by farmers who, with their buxom dames and cherry-cheek daughters, decked out in holiday-finery, hoped to gain admittance to Houghton Tower, or at all events to obtain a peep of the King as he rode to the hunt. Most of these were saluted by Nicholas, who scrupled not to promise them admission to the outer court of the tower, and even went so far as to offer some of the cumblier damsels a presentation to the King. Occasionally the road was enlivened by strains of music from a band of minstrels, by a song or a chorus from others, or by the gamesome tricks of a party of mummers. At one place a couple of tumblers and a clown were performing their feet on a cloth stretched on the grass beneath the tree. Here the crowd collected for a few minutes, but presently gave way to loud shouts, attended by the cracking of whips, proceeding from the two grooms in the yellow and white livery of Sir Richard Houghton, who headed some half-dozen carts filled with provisions, carcasses of sheep and oxen, turkeys and geese, bullets and capons, fish, bread and vegetables, all bent for Houghton Tower. For though Sir Richard had made vast preparations for his guests, he found his supplies, great as they were, wholly inadequate to their wants. Cracking their whips in answer to the shouts with which they were greeted, the purveyors galloped on, many a hungry white, looking wistfully after them. Nicholas and his companions were now at the entrance to Houghton Park, through which the Darwin coursed, after washing the base of the rocky heights on which the mansion was situated. Here four yeoman of the guard, armed with halberds, and an officer were stationed, and no one was admitted without an order from Sir Richard Houghton. Possessing a pass, the squire and his companions, with their attendance, were of course allowed to enter. But the throng accompanying them were sent over the bridge and along a devious road, skirting the park, which, though it went more than a mile round, eventually brought them to their destination. Houghton Park, though not very extensive, boasted a great deal of magnificent timber, and in some places were so thickly wooded, that according to Dr. Curden, could scarcely have seen the sunshine at middle of day. Into one of these tenebrous groves, the horsemen now plunged, and for some moments were buried in the gloom produced by matted and overhanging boughs. Issuing once more into the warm sunshine, they traversed a long and beautiful silvan glade, skirted by ancient oaks, with mighty arms and gnarled limbs, the patriarchs of the forest. In the open ground on the left, rescattered a few ashtrees, and beneath them browsed a herd of fallow deer. While crossing the lower end of the glade was a large herd of red deer, for which the park was famous, the hinds tripping nimbly and timidly away, but the lordly stags, with their branching antlers, standing for a moment at gaze, and disdainfully regarding the intruders on their domain. Little did they think how soon and how severely their courage would be tried, or how soon the mott would be sounded for their prize by the huntsman. But if, happily for themselves, the poor leather-coated fools could not foresee their doom, it was not equally hidden from Nicholas, who predicted what would ensue, and pointed out one noble heart, which he thought worthy to die by the king's own hand. As if he understood this, the stately beast tossed his antlered head aloft, and plunged into the adjoining thicket, but the squire noted the spot where he had disappeared. The glade led them into the chase, a glorious hunting ground of about two miles in circumference, surrounded by an amphitheater of wood, and studded by noble forest trees. Variety and beauty were lent to it by an occasional knoll crowned with timber, or by numerous ferny delves and dingles. As the horsemen entered upon the chase, they observed at a short distance from them a herd of the beautiful, but fierce, wild cattle, originally from bowling forest, and still preserved in the park. White and spangled in colour, with short sharp horns, fine eyes, and small shapely limbs, these animals were of untameable fierceness, possessed of great cunning, and ever ready to assault any one who approached them. They would often attack a solitary individual, gore him and trample him to death. Consequently they were far more dreaded than the wild boars, with which, as with every other sort of game, the neighbouring woods were plentifully stopped. Well aware of the danger they ran, the party watched the herd narrowly and distrustfully, and would have galloped on, but this would only have provoked pursuit, and the wild cattle were swifter than any horses. Suddenly a milk-white bull trotted out from the rest of the herd, bellowing fiercely, lashing his sides with his tail, and lowering his head to the ground as if meditating an attack. His example was speedily followed by the others, and the whole herd began to beat the ground and roar lustily. Not alarmed by these hostile manifestations, the party were debating whether to stand the onset, or trust to the fleetness of their steeds for safety, when, just as the whole herd, with tails erect and dilated nostrils were galloping towards them, assistance appeared in the persons of some ten or a dozen mounted prickers, who, armed with long poles, pointed with iron, issued with loud shouts from an avenue opening upon the chase. At sight of them, the whole herd wheeled round and fled, but were pursued by the prickers till they were driven into the depths of the furthest thicket. Six of the prickers remained watching over them during the day, in order that the royal hunting party might not be disturbed, and the woods echoed with the bellowing of the angry brutes. While this was going forward, the squire and his companions, congratulating themselves on their narrow escape, galloped off, and entered the long avenue of sycamores from which the prickers had emerged. At the head of a steep ascent, partly hewn out of the rock, and partly skirted by venerable and majestic trees, forming a continuation of the avenue, rose the embattled gate-tower of the proud edifice they were approaching, and which now held the monarch of the land, and the highest and noblest of his court as guests within its walls. From the top of the central tower of the gateway floated the royal banner, while at the very moment the party reached the foot of the hill, they were seduted by a loud peal of ordinance, discharged from the side-towers, proclaiming that the king had arisen. And as the smoke from the culverines wreathed round the standard, a flourish of trumpets was blown from the walls, and martial music resounded from the court. Roused by these stirring sounds, Nicholas spurred his horse up the rockier scent, and followed closely by his companions, who were both nearly as much excited as himself, speedily gained the great gateway, a massive and majestic structure occupying the center of the western front of the mansion, and consisting of three towers of great strength and beauty, the mid-tower, far overtopping the other two, as in the arms of old Castile, and sustaining, as was its right, the royal standard. On the platform stood the trumpeters, with their silk-fringed clarions, and the iron mouths of the culverines, which had been recently discharged, protruded through the battlements. The arms and motto of the houtens, carved in stone, were placed upon the gateway, with the letters C-H, the initials of the founder of the tower. Immediately above the arched entrance was the sculptured figure of a knight slaying a dragon. In front of the gateway a large crowd of persons were assembled, consisting of the inferior gentry of the neighborhood, with their wives, daughters, and servants, clergymen, attorneys, surgeons, farmers, and tradesmen of all kind, from the adjoining towns of Blackburn, Preston, Chorley, Haslington, Gastang, and even Lancaster. Representatives, in some sort or other, of almost every town and village in the county, might be found among the motley assemblage, which, early as it was, numbered several hundreds. Many of those, from the more distant places, have inquitted their homes soon after midnight. Admittance was naturally sought by all, but here the same rule was observed as at the park gate, and no one was allowed to enter even the base court, without authority from the lord of the mansion. The great gates were closed, and two files of halberdeers were drawn up under the deep archway, to keep the passage clear, and quell disturbance in case any should occur, while a gigantic porter, stationed in front of the wicket, rigorously scrutinized the passes. These precautions naturally produced delay, and though many of the better part of the crowd were entitled to admission, it was not without much pushing, and squeezing, and considerable detriment to their gay apparel, that they were enabled to affect their object. The comfort of those outside the walls had not, however, been altogether neglected by Sir Richard Houghton. For sheds were reared under the trees, where stout march beer, together with cheese, and bread, or otten cakes, and butter, were freely distributed to all applicants, so that if some were disappointed, few were discontented, especially when told that the gates would be thrown open at noon, when, during the time the king and the nobles feasted in the great banquet hall, they might partake of a wild bull from the park, slaughtered expressly for the occasion, which was now being roasted whole within the base court. That the latter was no idle promise, they had the assurance of thick smoke rising above the walls, laden with the scent of roast meat, and moreover they could see through the wicket a great fire, blazing and crackling on the green, with a huge carcass on an immense spit before it, and a couple of turn-broaches basting it. As Nicholas and his companions forced their way through the crowd, which was momently receiving additions as fresh arrivals took place, the squire recognized many old acquaintances, and was nodding familiarly, right and left, when he encountered a woman's eye fixed keenly upon him, and to his surprise beheld Nance Redfern. Nance, who had lost none of her good looks, was very gaily attired, with her fine chestnut hair knotted in ribbons, her stomacher similarly adorned, and her red petticoat looped up so as to display an exceedingly trim ankle and small foot, and under other circumstances Nicholas might not have minded staying to chat with her, but just now it was out of the question, and he hastily turned his head another way. As ill luck, however, would have it, a stoppage occurred at that moment, during which Nance forced her way up to him, and taking hold of his arm, said in a low tone, You want to have me win, you squire? Take you in with me? Impossible, cried Nicholas. No, it's no impossible, rejoined Nance pertinaciously, You can do it, and you shall You owe me a good turn, and won't repay it now. But why the devil do you want to go in? cried Nicholas impatiently. You know the kings have sworn enemy of all witches, and among this concourse, someone sure to recognise you and betray you. I cannot answer your safety if I do take in. In my opinion, you are extremely unwise to venture here at all. Nearly I have wisdom, all my following, but there was our bid, your unrepent it, said Nance. Why, you can get in without my aid, observed the squire, trying to laugh it off. You can easily fly over the walls. I left my broomstick at home, replied Nance, but no more jesting, will you do it? Well, well, I suppose I must, replied Nicholas, but I wash my hands of the consequences. If it all comes of it, I'm not to blame. You must go in as Dolwangol, that is, as a character in the mask to be enacted to-night. Dear Mark! Nance signified that she perfectly understood him. The whole of this hurried discourse, conducted in an undertone, passed unheard and unknown by the bystanders. Just then an opening took place amid the crowd, and the squire pushed through it, hoping to get rid of his companion, but he hoped in vain, for clinging to his saddle, she went along with him. They were soon under the deep groin and ribbed arch of the gate, and Nance would have been here turned back by the foremost halberdier if Nicholas had not signified, somewhat hastily that she belonged to his party. The man smiled and offered no further opposition, and the gigantic porter next advancing Nicholas exhibited his pass to him, which, appearing sufficiently comprehensive to procure admission for Richard and Sherbourne, they instantly availed themselves of the license, while the squire fumbled in his doublet for a further order for Nance. At last he produced it, and after reading it the gigantic wardrobe exclaimed, with a smile illuminating his broad features. Ah, I see! this is an order for his worship, so Richard to admit a certain woman who is to enact Dolwangol in the mask. This is she, I suppose, he added, looking at Nance. Ah, ah, replied the squire. Cummly went by the mask, exclaimed the porter. Open the gate! No, not yet, not yet, good porter, till my claim be adjusted, cried another woman, pushing forward, quite as young and cummly as Nance, and equally gaily dressed. I am the real Dolwangol, though I'd be generally known as Dame Teplo. The squire engaged me to play the part before the king, and now this saucy hussy has taken my place, but I'll have my rights that I will. Odds heart, Toe Dolwangos! exclaimed the porter, opening his eyes. Toe, may be laden, but there be three! exclaimed an immensely tall, stoutly proportioned woman, stepping up to the increased confusion of the squire, and the infinite measurement of the bystanders, whose laughter had been already excited by the previous part of the scene. Did you tell me a nice cuff to come here, squire? And I, best ball, win, should play Dolwango to your gentle spot. Play the devil, though, that's what you all seem bent on doing, exclaimed the squire, impatiently, away with you, I can have nothing to say to you. You gave me the sign promised at the castle at Preston last night, said Dame Teplo. I had been drinking, and know not what I said, rejoined Nicholas angrily. But I promised me a few minutes ago, and I was sobering off now, cried Nance. I don't know that, rejoined Dame Baldwin, looking reproachily at him, but what I don't know is that neither of these squamous queens shall go in a form may. And she looked menacingly at them, as if determined to oppose their ingress, much to the alarm of the timorous Dame Teplo. Although Nance returned her angry glances unmoved. Fair and sick, my good fellow, let them all three in, said Nicholas, in a low tone to the porter, at the same time slipping a gold piece into his hand. Oh, there's no saying what may be the consequence for their three infernal viragos. I'll take the responsibility there admittance upon myself with Sir Richard. Well, as your worship says, I don't like to see quarrelling among women. Return the porter in a bland tone. So all three shall go in, and as though he's played doll-wango, the last to a ceremony will settle that, so you need give yourself no more concern about it. But if I were called on to decide, he added, with an amorous leer at Dame Baldwin, whose proportions so well matched his own, I know where my choice would lie. There now, he shouted, up and wide the gate, for squire Nicholas Ashleton of Downham under three doll-wangos. And all obstacles being thus removed, Nicholas passed on with the three females amidst the renewed laughter of the bystanders. But he got rid of his plagues as soon as he could, for dismounting, and throwing his bridle to an attendant, he vouched safe not a word to any of them, but stepped quickly after Richard and Sherbourne, who had already reached the great fire with the bull-roasting before it. Appropriated chiefly to stables and other offices, the base court of Houghton Tower consisted of buildings of various dates, the greater part belonging to Elizabeth's time, though some might be assigned to an earlier period, while many alterations and additions had been recently made in anticipation of the king's visit. Dating back as far as Henry II, the family had originally fixed their residence at the foot of the hill on the banks of the Darwin, but in process of time, swayed by prouder notions, they mounted the craggy heights above, and built a tower upon their crest. It is melancholy to think that so glorious a pile, teaming with so many historical recollections and so magnificently situated, should be abandoned and suffered to go to decay, the family, having many years ago, quitted it for Walton Hall, near Walton-Lidale, and consigned it to the occupation of a few gamekeepers. Vireft of its venerable timber, its quartz grass-grown, its fine oak staircase rotting and dilapidated, its domestic chapel neglected, its marble chamber broken and ruinous, its wanes cutting and ceilings cracked and mouldering, its paintings mildewed and half-evaced. Halton Tower presents only the wreck of its former grandeur, desolate indeed are its halls, and their glory for ever departed. However, this history has to do with it in the season of its greatest splendour, when it glistened with silks and velvets and resounded with loud laughter and blythe music, when stately nobles and lovely dames were seen in the gallery, and a royal banquet was served in the Great Hall, when its countless chambers were filled to overflowing, and its passages echoed with hasty feet, when the base court was full of huntsmen and falconers, and enlivened by the neighing of steeds and the baying of hounds. When there was daily hunting in the park and nightly dancing and diversions in the hall, it is with Halton Tower at this season that the present tale has to do, and not with it as it is now, silent, solitary, squalid, saddening, but still a whispering of the glories of the past, still telling of the kingly pageant that once graced it. The base court was divided from the court of lodging by the Great Hall and domestic chapel. A narrow vaulted passage on either side led to the upper quadrangle, the façade of which was magnificent, and far superior in uniformity of design and style to the rest of the structure, the irregularity of which, however, was not unpleasing. The whole frontage of the upper court was richly moulded and filleted, with ranges of mullion and transom windows, capitals and carved parapets, crowned with stone balls. Marble pillars in the Italian style had been recently placed near the porch, with two rows of pilasters above them, supporting a heavy marble cornice, on which rested the carved escutcheon of the family. A flight of stone steps led to the porch, and within was a wide oak staircase, so gentle of a scent that a man on horseback could easily mount it. A feat often practised in latter days by one of the descendants of the house. In this part of the mansion all the principal apartments were situated, and here James was lodged. Here also was the green room, so called from its hangings, which he used for private conferences, and which was hung round with portraits of his unfortunate mother, Mary Queen of Scots, and of her implacable enemy, Queen Elizabeth. Of his consort, Anne of Bohemia, and of Sir Thomas Houghton, the founder of the tower. Adjoining it was the star chamber, occupied by the Duke of Buckingham, with its napkin panelling and ceiling fretted with golden fires. And in the same angle were rooms occupied by the Duke of Richmond, the earls of Pembroke and Nottingham, and Lord Howard of Effingham. Below was the library, with a Dr. Thomas Morton, Bishop of Chester, and His Majesty's chaplain, with three puny judges of the King's Bench, Sir John Dodridge, Sir John Crook, and Sir Robert Houghton, all of whom were guests of Sir Richard, resorted. And in the adjoining wing was the Great Gallery, where the whole of the nobles and courtiers passed such of their time, and that was not much, as was not occupied in feasting or out-of-doors amusements. Long corridors ran round the upper stories in this part of the mansion, and communicated with an endless series of rooms, which, numerous as they were, were all occupied, an accommodation being found impossible for the whole of the guests. Many were sent to the new erections in the base-court, which had been planned to meet the emergency by the magnificent and provident host. The nobles and gentlemen were, however, far outnumbered by their servants, and the confusion occasioned by the running to and fro of the various rooms of the chambers was indescribable. Doublets had to be brushed, roughs platted, hair, curl, beards trimmed, and all with the greatest possible expedition, so that, as soon as day dawned upon Houghton Tower, there was a prodigious racket from one end of it to the other. Many favoured servants slept in chuckle-beds in their master's rooms, but others were not so fortunate and unable to find accommodation even in the garrets. For the smallest rooms and those nearest the roof were put in requisition, slept upon the benches in the hall, while several sat up all night, carousing in the great kitchen, keeping company with the cooks and their assistants, who were busyed all the time in preparations for the feasting of the morrow. Such was the state of things inside Houghton Tower early on the eventful morning in question, and out of doors, especially in the base-court which Nicholas was traversing, the noise, bustle, and confusion were equally great. Wide, as was the area, it was filled with various personages, some newly arrived, and seeking information as to their quarters, not very easily obtained, for it seemed everybody's business to ask questions, and no-ones to answer them, some gathered in groups around the falconers and huntsmen, who had suddenly risen into great importance. Others, and these were for the most part smart young pages in brilliant liveries, chattering and making love to every pretty damsel they encountered, putting them out of countenance by their license and strange oaths, and rousing the anger of their parents, and the jealousy of their rustic admirers. Others of a grave assault, with dress of formal cut, and puritanical expression of countenance, shrugging their shoulders, and looking sourly on the whole proceedings. Luckily they were in the minority, for the generality of the groups were composed of lively and light-headed people, bent apparently upon amusement, and tolerably certain of finding it. Through these various groups, numerous lackeys were passing swiftly and continuously to and fro, bearing a cap, a mantle, or a sword, and pushing aside all who interfered with their progress, with a, by or leave my masters, your pardon fair mistress, or, out of my way, nave! As the stables occupied one entire angle of the court, there were grooms without, end-dressing the horses at the doors, watering them at the troughs, or leading them about amid the admiring and criticising bystanders. The king's horses were, of course, objects of special attention, and such as could obtain a glimpse of them, and of the royal coach, thought themselves especially favoured. Besides what was going forward below, the windows, looking into the court, were all full of curious observers, and much loud conversation took place between those placed at them and their friends underneath. From all this some idea will be formed of the tremendous din that prevailed, but though with much confusion there was no positive disorder, still less brawling, for yeoman of the guard being stationed at various points, perfect order was maintained. Several minstrels, mamas, and merry-makers in various fantastic habits swelled the throng, enlivening it with their strains or feats, and among other privileged characters admitted, was a tomber bedlam, a half-crazed, licensed beggar in the singular and picturesque garb, with a plate of tin engraved with his name attached to his left arm, and a grey dox's horn, which he was continually blowing, suspended by leaven baldrick from his neck. Scarcely had Nicholas joined his companion, then word was given that the king was about to attend morning prayers in the domestic chapel. Upon this an immediate rush was made in that direction by the crowd, but the greater part were kept back by the guard who crossed their halberds to prevent their ingress, and a few only were allowed to enter the ante-chamber leading to the chapel, among whom were the squire and his companions. Here they were detained within till service was over, and as prayers were read by the Bishop of Chester, and the whole court was present, this was a great disappointment to them. At the end of half an hour two very courtly personages came forth, each bearing a white wand, and, announcing that the king was coming forth, the assemblage immediately divided into two lines to allow a passage for the monarch. Nicholas Asherton informed Richard in a whisper that the foremost and stateliest of the two gentlemen was Lord Stanhope of Harrington, the vice-chamberlain, and the other, a handsome young man of slight figure, a somewhat libertine expression of countenance, was the renounced Sir John Finnet, master of the ceremonies. Notwithstanding his licentiousness, however, which was the vice of the age and the stain of the court, Sir John was a man of wit and address, and perfectly conversant with the duties of his office, of which he has left satisfactory evidence in an amusing tractate, Finneti Filoxinis. Some little time elapsed before the king made his appearance, during which the curiosity of such as had not seen him, as was the case with Richard, was greatly excited. The young man wondered whether the pedantic monarch, whose character perplexed the shrewdest, would answer his preconceived notions, and whether it would turn out that his portraits were like him. While these thoughts were passing through his mind, a shuffling noise was heard without, and King James appeared at the doorway. He paused there for a moment to place his plumed and endured cap upon his head, and to speak a word with Sir John Finnet, and during this Richard had an opportunity of observing him. The portraits were like, but the artists had flattered him, though not much. There was a great shrewdness of look, but there was also a vacant expression, which seemed to contradict the idea of profound wisdom generally ascribed to him. When in perfect repose, which they were not for more than a minute, the features were thoughtful, benevolent and pleasing, and Richard began to think him quite handsome, when another change was wrought by some remark of Sir John Finnet. As the master of ceremonies told his tale, the King's fine dark eyes blazed with an unpleasant light, and he laughed so loudly and indecorously at the close of this narrative, with his great tongue hanging out of his mouth and tears running down his cheeks, that the young man was quite sickened. The King's face was thin and long, the cheeks shaven, but the lips clothed with mustaches, and a scanty beard covered his chin. The hair was brushed away from the face, and the cap placed at the back of the head, so as to exhibit a high bald forehead, of which he was prodigiously vain. James was fully equipped for the chase, and wore a green silk doublet, quilted, as all his garments were, so as to be dagger-proof, enormous trunk-hose likewise thickly stuffed, and buff boots, fitting closely to the leg, and turned slightly over at the knee, with the edges fringed with gold. This was almost the only appearance of finery about the dress, except a row of gold buttons down the jerkin. Attached to his girdle, he wore a large pouch, with the mouth drawn together by silk and cords, and a small silver bugle was suspended from his neck by a baldrick of green silk. Stiffly starched bands edged with lace, and slightly turned down on either side of the face, completed his attire. There was nothing majestic, but the very reverse in the King's deportment, and he seemed only kept upright by the exceeding stiffness of his cumbersome clothes. With the appearance of being corpulent, he was not so in reality, that his weak legs and bent knees were scarcely able to support his frame. He always used a stick, and generally sought the additional aid of a favourite's arm. In this instance the person selected was Sugilbert Houghton, the eldest son of Sir Richard, and subsequent owner of Houghton Tar. Indicted for the High Court favour he enjoyed, partly to his graceful person and accomplishments, and partly to his marriage, having espoused the daughter of Sir John Aston of Cranford, who, as sister to the Duchess of Buckingham, and a descendant of the Blood Royal of the Stewards, was a great help to his rapid rise, the handsome young knight was skilled in all manly exercises, and cited as a model of grace in the dance. Constant in attendance upon the court, he frequently took part in the masks performed before it, like the king he was fully equipped for hunting, but greater contrast could not have been found than between his tall, fine form and the king's ungainly figure. Sir Sugilbert had remained behind with the rest of the courtiers in the chapel, but, calling him, James seized his arm and set forward at his usual shambling pace. As he went on, nodding his head in return to the profound salutations of the assemblage, his eye rolled around them, until it alighted on Richard Ascherton, and nudging Sugilbert, he asked, Who is that? A money lad, but we some bill! Sugilbert, however, was unable to answer the inquiry, but Nicholas, who stood beside the young man, was determined not to lose the opportunity of introducing him, and accordingly moved a step forward, and made a profound obeisance. This youth may it please your Majesty, he said, Is my cousin Richard Ascherton, son of heir of some Richard Ascherton of Middleton, one of your Majesty's most loyal and devoted servants, and who, I trust, will have the honour of being presented to you in the course of the day. We thirst, too, Mr. Nicholas Ascherton, for that, if we did not forget, is your hidden name, replied James, and if the sire resembles a son, who is not always the case, as our good friend, Sir Sugilbert, is evidence, me and a son like his worthy father, as a man will can be, and if, as we say, Sir Richard resembles his car, and he must be a real favourite gentleman. By God's hand, he lad, how can you in such sad and sombre aboluments, you know, break clays to put on the grace of our coming? Black is not a fashion at our court, as Sugilbert will tell you, and no suit of stables may become you, he's no pleasant in our sight. Let us see you and gear her a barrel at dinner. Richard, who was considerably embarrassed by the royal address, merely bowed, and Nicholas again took upon himself to answer for him. The Majesty will be pleased to pardon him, he said, but he's unaccustomed to court fashion, something past all his time in the wild and uncivilised district, where, except on rare and happy occasions like the present, the refined graces of life seldom reach us. Well, we wouldn't have been hard upon him, said the King, good-naturedly, and here the family has sustained some recent loss, and he's in mourning. I cannot offer that excuse for him, Sir, replied Nicholas, who began to flatter himself. He was making considerable progress in the monarch's good graces. It's simply an affair of the heart. Ah, poor child, we pity him, cried the King, and says to hopeless suit, young Sir, he added to Richard, can we throw in a good word for you? Do we care, Lelassie, and is she to be here to-day? I am quite at a loss how to answer your Majesty's questions, replied Richard, and my cousin Nicholas has very unfairly betrayed my secret. Oh, whoo-choo-choo, very lad, exclaimed James. It wasn't he who betrayed your secret, but your own discernment that was revealed to us. We ken your ailment at a glance. Few things are hidden from the King's eye, and we could tell you more about yourself and the Lassie you're daying for, if we cared to speak it. But just now we have other fish to fry, and must away, and break all fast. As the wish, if truth be spoken, we stand greatly in need, for creature comforts many be looked at as well as spiritual wants, but an actor should ever be cared for first, as is our own rule, and in so doing we offer an example to our subjects which they will do well to follow. Later in the day we'll talk further to you on the subject, but meanwhile, guess the name of your Lassie Lou. Oh, spare me your Majesty, cried Richard. Her name is Alice and Notta, interposed Nicholas. What? A daughter of Alice, not that of roughly? exclaimed James. The same desire, replied Nicholas, much surprised at the extent of information manifested by the King. Why, solemn, a body marches, a witch, a witch, you can't know, cried the King. With a look of abhorrence, a mischievous and malignant bell, in which with this part of our realm is say, plagued, but which with God's help will thoroughly extirpate. Say, the Lassie's a daughter of Alice, not a, that accounts for your gruesome looks, lad. Odd life I see it now. I understand what's the matter with you. Look at him, so gill, but look at him, I say. Does nothing strike you strange about him? Nothing more than he is naturally embarrassed by your Majesty's mode of speech, replied the Knight. You're luck, the penetration of the King, Sir Gilbert, cried James. I'll tell you what ails him. He's bewitched it, for spoken. Exclamations were uttered by all the bystanders, and every eye was fixed on Richard, who felt ready to sink to the ground. Ah, firm he is bewitched, continued the King, and with a lack there to do it is the glamour in his head that has ensnared him. She has the old blood in her veins, and can chant divils, cantrips, too well as them either, or any girl callin' them are. You are mistaken, Sir, cried Richard earnestly. Alice will be here to-day with my father and sister, and if you deign to receive her, I'm sure you will judge her differently. We shall perpend the point of receiving her, replied the King gravely, but we are rarely mistaken, young man, and seldom change your opinion except on good grounds, and those your arena is like to offer us. Be like ye, bin Langhill. Oh, no, your Majesty, I was suddenly seized about a month ago, replied Richard. Ah, suddenly seized, eh? exclaimed James, winking cunningly at those near him, and just swaffled off with the beans, I guessed it. And where was Alice and the Whale? At that time she was a guest at Middleton, replied Richard, but it is impossible my illness can in any way be attributed to her. I will answer with my life for her perfect innocence. You may have danced away your life, for you misplaced faith in her, said the King, but I tell you nothing, nothing wicked at all events is impossible to which is, and the Hail case even by her own showing is very suspicious. I have heard somewhat of the story of Alice Nutter, but not the Hail truth, but there are folks here who can enlighten us more fully, as much as I do care, that she is a notorious witch and a fugitive from justice. Though, ah, it blends you. Master Nicholas Ascherton can give an income of her hidden place if you are so disposed. Eh, no, look, doided man, he added, laughing, I bring me charges against you. You are in on your trial now, but this is a serious matter than one may seriously consider before we dismiss it. You see, Alderson will be here today. See for a while, can you contrive to produce the mother too, Master Nicholas? Zire, exclaimed Nicholas. Leading, women gang are in way to work, continued James. We are told here, petitioned after us, and our will and pleasure is that you present it before we go forth to the chase, and after we have taken a formatic dunnel for refraction, which we will no longer delay, for so to say, we are will-naked, famished. Look ye, sirs, neither are we as to quit out and dull without our permission had unobteined. We do not place you under arrest. Neither do we inhibit you from the chase or other sports, but ye are to remain here at our sovereign pleasure. Have we your word that you will not attempt to disobey the injunction? You have mine undoubtedly, Zire, replied Richard. Ah, mine too, added Nicholas, and I ought to justify myself before your Majesty. We shall be well pleased to hear you do it, man, rejoined the king, laughing and shuffling on. But we hear the doats, we hear the doats. As Majesty talks, they go into breakfast and says he's famished, observed Nicholas to Sherbourne as the king departed, but he's completely taken away my appetite. No wonder, replied the other. End of Chapter 6