"Shan ey tee her hands, yer warship?" demanded the constable of the magistrate.
"On no account, fellow," interposed Sir Ralph. "I will have no indignity offered her. I have already said I will be responsible for her."
"You will recollect she is arrested for witchcraft, Sir Ralph," observed Nowell.
"She shall answer to the charges brought against her. I pledge myself to that," replied Sir Ralph.
"And by a full confession," said Mistress Nutter. "You may pledge yourself to that also, Sir Ralph."
"She avows her guilt," cried Nowell. "I take you all to witness it."
"I shall not forget it," said Sir Thomas Metcalfe.
"Nor I—nor I!" cried Sparshot, and two or three others of the attendants.
"This girl is my prisoner," said Sir Thomas Metcalfe, dismounting, and advancing towards Alizon, "She is a witch, as well as the rest."
"It is false," cried Richard! "and if you attempt to lay hands upon her I will strike you to the earth."