"They never come near 'ere when th'oull Sir Nick is blowin' hes billies by night."
I remembered the stories I had heard when I lived among them, and believed he told the truth.
"I shudden like to zee th'oull chap hisself," grunted Eli, with a laugh, "I shudden mind, though. We cud git our way ef he wos to come. We cud jist sell ourselves to un, and then you'd bait the Trezidders aisy."
I did not reply, for a great dread laid hold of me. Besides, the sight of Eli, as he made his way between the rocks, grunting and making all sorts of weird noises, was enough to make one's blood run cold.
"Remember, Eli," I said, "everything must be clear and right. I'll have no dealings with darkness, mind that."
But Eli made no answer, except to go jabbering as though he were mad.
"'Tes a good job the tide es out," he grunted, presently.
"Why?"
"We cudden git in the Devil's Church else."