"Ay, come away!" shrieked the hag, seizing Alizon's arm.
"Where are you about to take her?" asked Mistress Nutter.
"To my hut," replied Mother Chattox.
"No, no—she shall not go there," returned the lady.
"And wherefore not?" screamed the hag. "She is mine now, and I say she shall go."
"Right, mistress," said Fancy; "and leave the lady here if she objects to accompany her. But be quick."
"You shall not take her from me!" shrieked Mistress Nutter, holding her daughter fast. "I see through your diabolical purpose. You have the same dark design as Mother Demdike, and would sacrifice her; but she shall not go with you, neither will I."
"Tut!" exclaimed the hag, "you have lost your senses on a sudden. I do not want your daughter. But come away, or Mother Demdike will surprise us."
"Do not trifle with her longer," whispered Fancy to the hag; "drag the girl away, or you will lose her. A few moments, and it will be too late."
Mother Chattox made an attempt to obey him, but Mistress Nutter resisted her.