And she was approaching her old enemy with the intention of putting her threat into execution, when James Device, who appeared to start from the ground, rushed swiftly towards her.
"What art thou doing here, Jem?" cried the hag, regarding him with angry surprise. "Dost thou not see we are surrounded by enemies. I cannot escape them—but thou art young and active. Away with thee!"
"Not without yo, granny," replied Jem. "Ey ha' run os fast os ey could to help yo. Stick fast howld on me," he added, snatching her up in his arms, "an ey'n bring yo clear off yet."
And he set off at a rapid pace with his burthen, Richard being too much occupied with Alizon to oppose him.
CHAPTER XVII.—HOW THE BEACON FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED.
Soon after this, Nicholas Assheton, attended by two or three men, came up, and asked whither the old witch had flown.
Mistress Nutter pointed out the course taken by the fugitive, who had run towards the northern extremity of the hill, down the sides of which he had already plunged.
"She has been carried off by her grandson, Jem Device," said Mistress Nutter; "be quick, or you will lose her."
"Ay, be quick—be quick!" added Mother Chattox. "Yonder they went, to the back of the beacon."