“The poor girl has been conveyed away by Mother Demdike,” she cried, “though for what purpose I am at a loss to conceive.  The old hag could not cross the running water, and therefore resorted to that stratagem.”

“Alizon must not be left in her hands, madam,” said Richard.

“She must not,” replied the lady.  “If Blackadder, whom I have sent after Parson Holden, were here, I would despatch him instantly to Malkin Tower.”

“I will go instead,” said Richard.

“You had better accept his offer,” interposed Nicholas; “he will serve you as well as Blackadder.”

“Go I shall, madam,” cried Richard; “if not on your account, on my own.”

“Come, then, with me,” said the lady, entering the house, “and I will furnish you with that which shall be your safeguard in the enterprise.”

With this, she proceeded to the closet where her interview with Roger Nowell had been held; and, unlocking an ebony cabinet, took from a drawer within it a small flat piece of gold, graven with mystic characters, and having a slender chain of the same metal attached to it.  Throwing the chain over Richard’s neck, she said, “Place this talisman, which is of sovereign virtue, near your heart, and no witchcraft shall have power over you.  But be careful that you are not by any artifice deprived of it, for the old hag will soon discover that you possess some charm to protect you against her spells.  You are impatient to be gone, but I have not yet done,” she continued, taking down a small silver bugle from a hook, and giving it him.  “On reaching Malkin Tower, wind this horn thrice, and the old witch will appear at the upper window.  Demand admittance in my name, and she will not dare to refuse you; or, if she does, tell her you know the secret entrance to her stronghold, and will have recourse to it.  And in case this should be needful, I will now disclose it to you, but you must not use it till other means fail.  When opposite the door, which you will find is high up in the building, take ten paces to the left, and if you examine the masonry at the foot of the tower, you will perceive one stone somewhat darker than the rest.  At the bottom of this stone, and concealed by a patch of heath, you will discover a knob of iron.  Touch it, and it will give you an opening to a vaulted chamber, whence you can mount to the upper room.  Even then you may experience some difficulty, but with resolution you will surmount all obstacles.”

“I have no fear of success, madam,” replied Richard, confidently.

And quitting her, he proceeded to the stables, and calling for his horse, vaulted into the saddle, and galloped off towards the bridge.