Part 45 (1/2)
”That I win,” replied the cowherd, unstrapping the box, upon which the sufferer's head rested, and placing it on his own shoulders.
Meanwhile, a gate having been taken from its hinges by Sparshot and the reeve, the poor pedlar, who groaned deeply during the operation, was placed upon it by the men, and borne towards the village, followed by the others, leading their horses.
Great consternation was occasioned in Goldshaw Booth by the entrance of the cavalcade, and still more, when it became known that John Law, the pedlar, who was a favourite with all, had had a frightful seizure. Old and young flocked forth to see him, and the former shook their heads, while the latter were appalled at the hideous sight. Master Potts took care to tell them that the poor fellow was bewitched by Mother Demdike; but the information failed to produce the effect he antic.i.p.ated, and served rather to repress than heighten their sympathy for the sufferer. The attorney concluded, and justly, that they were afraid of incurring the displeasure of the vindictive old hag by an open expression of interest in his fate. So strongly did this feeling operate, that after bestowing a glance of commiseration at the pedlar, most of them returned, without a word, to their dwellings.
On their way to the little hostel, whither they were conveying the poor pedlar, the party pa.s.sed the church, and the s.e.xton, who was digging a grave in the yard, came forward to look at them; but on seeing John Law he seemed to understand what had happened, and resumed his employment. A wide-spreading yew-tree grew in this part of the churchyard, and near it stood a small cross rudely carved in granite, marking the spot where, in the reign of Henry VI., Ralph Cliderhow, tenth abbot of Whalley, held a meeting of the tenantry, to check encroachments. Not far from this ancient cross the s.e.xton, a hale old man, with a fresh complexion and silvery hair, was at work, and while the others went on, Master Potts paused to say a word to him.
”You have a funeral here to-day, I suppose, Master s.e.xton?” he said.
”Yeigh,” replied the man, gruffly.
”One of the villagers?” inquired the attorney.
”Neaw; hoo were na o' Goldshey,” replied the s.e.xton.
”Where then-who was it?” persevered Potts.
The s.e.xton seemed disinclined to answer; but at length said, ”Meary Baldwyn, the miller's dowter o' Rough Lee, os protty a la.s.s os ever yo see, mester. Hoo wur the apple o' her feyther's ee, an he hasna had a dry ee sin hoo deed. Wall-a-dey! we mun aw go, owd an young-owd an young-an protty Meary Baldwyn went young enough. Poor la.s.s! poor la.s.s!” and he brushed the dew from his eyes with his brawny hand.
”Was her death sudden?” asked Potts.
”Neaw, not so sudden, mester,” replied the s.e.xton. ”Ruchot Baldwyn had fair warnin'. Six months ago Meary wur ta'en ill, an fro' t' furst he knoad how it wad eend.”
”How so, friend?” asked Potts, whose curiosity began to be aroused.
”Becose-” replied the s.e.xton, and he stopped suddenly short.
”She was bewitched?” suggested Potts.
The s.e.xton nodded his head, and began to ply his mattock vigorously.
”By Mother Demdike?” inquired Potts, taking out his memorandum book.
The s.e.xton again nodded his head, but spake no word, and, meeting some obstruction in the ground, took up his pick to remove it.
”Another case!” muttered Potts, making an entry. ”Mary Baldwyn, daughter of Richard Baldwyn of Rough Lee, aged-How old was she, s.e.xton?”
”Throtteen,” replied the man; ”boh dunna ax me ony more questions, mester. Th' berrin takes place i' an hour, an ey hanna half digg'd th' grave.”
”Your own name, Master s.e.xton, and I have done?” said Potts.
”Zachariah Worms,” answered the man.
”Worms-ha! an excellent name for a s.e.xton,” cried Potts. ”You provide food for your family, eh, Zachariah?”
”Tut-tut,” rejoined the s.e.xton, testily, ”go an' moind yer own bus'ness, mon, an' leave me to moind mine.”
”Very well, Zachariah,” replied Potts. And having obtained all he required, he proceeded to the little hostel, where, finding the rest of the party had dismounted, he consigned Flint to a cowherd, and entered the house.