"The tale thou hast heard respecting me is true," she said. "I have a compact which requires me to make a proselyte to the power I serve within each year, and if I fail in doing so, I must pay the penalty thou hast mentioned. A like compact exists between Mistress Nutter and the Fiend."
She paused for a moment, to watch the effect of her words on Alizon, and then resumed.
"Thy mother would have sacrificed thee if thou hadst been left with her; but I have carried thee off, because I conceive I am best entitled to thee. Thou wert brought up as my grand-daughter, and therefore I claim thee as my own."
"And you think to deal with me as if I were a puppet in your hands?" cried Alizon.
"Ay, marry, do I," rejoined Mother Demdike, with a scream of laughter, "Thou art nothing more than a puppet—a puppet—ho! ho."
"And you deem you can dispose of my soul without my consent?" said Alizon.
"Thy full consent will be obtained," rejoined the old hag.
"Think it not! think it not!" exclaimed Alizon. "Oh! I shall yet be delivered from this infernal bondage."
At this moment the notes of a bugle were heard.
"Saved! saved!" cried the poor girl, starting. "It is Richard come to my rescue!"