“Yes,” she said, able to speak clearly at last, “the truth will save you and it is the truth that I am going to tell.”
Master Mather bent upon her a threatening, scowling countenance.
“What had she to do with the accused witch?” he wished to know.
She had bought a charm, a love charm, Alisoun told him. After the first plunge it seemed not hard at all to speak out.
“And had she been alone when she bought it? Where was the charm now? Had it had effect?”
“There was one with me whose name I cannot tell,” Alisoun answered. “Nor do I know where the charm is now. In my belief it had no atom of magic power nor any effect.”
“Have you or that other become engaged to wed since receiving it?” Master Mather pursued relentlessly.
“Yes, the other has plighted her troth and is soon to be married,” Alisoun was forced to admit.
“And the charm,” he insisted, “you say you know not where it is?”
“No,” said Alisoun, “it is gone.”