They had forgotten the guard now. Their lawlessness knew no bounds. But for the incessant din of the merry-makers at the Fair, the banging of the drums, and the shouts of the criers, their own yells of execration, their violent curses, and the shrieks of the captive girl could not have failed to attract attention.
But every one was busy laughing and enjoying the last hours of this happy day. No one came to interfere in this devilish work which was about to be consummated.
And every word the poor woman uttered but brought further vituperation upon her.
She shouted, "Help!"
"Hark, my masters," sneered Matthew loftily, "she calls to Satan for help."
"What will you do with me?" she pleaded. "I've done you no wrong."
"Thou hast brought the devil in our midst."
"No! no!"
"I saw thee riding on a broomstick—going to thy Sabbath revels."
"'Tis false!"