omedy, lately acted at the Globe on the Bank-side, by the
King's Majesty's Actors. Written by Thomas Haywood and Richard Broom.
_Aut prodesse solent, aut delectare_, 1634."

But our element is tradition, especially as illustrating ancient manners
and superstitions; we therefore give the sequel of our tale as tradition
hath preserved it.

Giles Dickisson, the merry miller at the Mill Clough, had so taken to
heart his wife's dishonesty that, as we have before observed, he grew
fretful and morose. His mill he vowed was infested with a whole legion
of these "hell-cats," as they were called; for in this shape they
presented themselves to the affrighted eyes of the miserable
yoke-fellow, as he fancied himself, to a limb of Satan. The yells and
screeches he heard o'nights from these witches and warlocks were
unbearable; and once or twice, when late at the mill, both he and Robin
had received some palpable tokens of their presence. Scratches and
bloody marks were plainly visible, and every hour brought with it some
new source of annoyance or alarm.

One morning Giles showed himself with a disconsolate face before Lord
William at the Tower; he could bear his condition no longer.

"T'other night," said he, "the witches set me astride o' t' riggin' o'
my own house.[42] It was a bitter cold time, an' I was nearly perished
when I wakened. I am weary of my life, and will flit; for this country,
the deil, I do think, holds in his own special keeping!"

Then Robin stept forward, offering to take the mill on his master's
quittance. He cared not, he said, for all the witch-women in the parish.
He had "fettled" one of them, and, by his Maker's help, he hoped fairly
to drive them off the field. The bargain was struck, and Robin that day
entered into possession.

By a strange coincidence, this transaction happened on the eve of
All-Hallows before mentioned; and Lord William requested that Robin
would on that night keep watch. His courage, he said, would help him
through; and if he could rid the mill of them, the Baron promised him a
year's rent, and a good largess besides. Robin was fain of the offer,
and prepared himself for the strife, determined, if possible, to eject
these ugly vermin from the premises.

On this same night, soon after sunset, the lady of Bernshaw Tower went
forth, leaving her lord in a deep sleep, the effect, as it was supposed,
of her own spells. Ere she departed, every symbol or token of grace was
laid aside;-