"The sand is out—her term has expired—she is mine!" he cried.
"Clasp thy arms tightly round me, my child. He cannot take me from thee," shrieked the agonised woman.
"Release her, Alizon, or I will slay thee likewise," roared the demon.
"Never," she replied; "thou canst not overcome me. Ha!" she added joyfully, "the brand has disappeared from her brow."
"And the writing from the parchment," howled the demon; "but I will have her notwithstanding."
And he plunged his claws into Alice Nutter's flesh. But her daughter held her fast.
"Oh! hold me, my child—hold me, or I am lost!" shrieked the lady.
"Be warned, and let her go, or thy life shall pay for her's," cried the demon.
"My life for her's, willingly," replied Alizon.
"Then take thy fate," rejoined the evil spirit.