Not believe in witches! Why I should as soon misdoubt the Holy Scriptures." "It may be because I reside near them that I have so little apprehension, or rather no apprehension at all," replied Mistress Nutter; "but to me Mother Demdike and Mother Chattox appear two harmless old women." "They're a couple of dangerous and damnable old hags, and deserve the stake," cried Nicholas, emphatically.
All this discourse had been swallowed with greedy ears by the ever-vigilant Master Potts, who had approached the speakers unperceived; and he now threw in a word.
"So there are suspected witches in Pendle Forest, I find," he said.

"I shall make it my business to institute inquiries concerning them, when I visit the place to-morrow.

Even if merely ill-reputed, they must be examined, and if found innocent cleared; if not, punished according to the statute.

Our sovereign lord the king holdeth witches in especial abhorrence, and would gladly see all such noxious vermin extirpated from the land, and it will rejoice me to promote his laudable designs.

I must pray you to afford me all the assistance you can in the discovery of these dreadful delinquents, good Master Nicholas, and I will care that your services are duly represented in the proper quarter.