"And you are willing to pay for it at the price of your soul?" demanded the other, advancing towards him.
Baldwyn reeled. He saw at once the fearful peril in which he was placed, and averted his gaze from the scorching glance of the reeve.
At this moment the door was tried without, and the voice of Bess was heard, saying, "Who ha' yo got wi' yo, Ruchot; and whoy ha' yo fastened t' door?"
"Your answer?" demanded the reeve.
"Ey canna gi' it now," replied the miller. "Come in, Bess; come in."
"Ey conna," she replied. "Open t' door, mon."
"Your answer, I say?" said the reeve.
"Gi' me an hour to think on't," said the miller.
"Agreed," replied the other. "I will be with you after the funeral."
And he sprang through the window, and disappeared before Baldwyn could open the door and admit Bess.