But she shall not escape us.

Keep an eye upon her, while I see if Simon Sparshot, the beadle, be within the churchyard, and if so he shall take her into custody, and lock her in the cage." With this, he ran towards the throng, shouting lustily for the beadle.
Presently a big, burly fellow, in a scarlet doublet, laced with gold, a black velvet cap trimmed with red ribands, yellow hose, and shoes with great roses in them, and bearing a long silver-headed staff, answered the summons, and upon being told why his services were required, immediately roared out at the top of a stentorian voice, "A witch, lads!--a witch!" All was astir in an instant.

Robin Hood and his merry men, with the morris-dancers, rushed out of their bowers, and the whole churchyard was in agitation.

Above the din was heard the loud voice of Simon Sparshot, still shouting, "A witch!--witch!--Mother Chattox!" "Where--where ?" demanded several voices.
"Yonder," replied Nicholas, pointing to the further cross.
A general movement took place in that direction, the crowd being headed by the squire and the beadle, but when they came up, they found only Nan Redferne standing behind the obelisk.
"Where the devil is the old witch gone, Dick ?" cried Nicholas, in dismay.
"I thought I saw her standing there with her grand-daughter," replied Richard; "but in truth I did not watch very closely." "Search for her--search for her," cried Nicholas.
But neither behind the crosses, nor behind any monument, nor in any hole or corner, nor on the other side of the churchyard wall, nor at the back of the little hermitage or chapel, though all were quickly examined, could the old hag be found.
On being questioned, Nan Redferne refused to say aught concerning her grandmother's flight or place of concealment.
"I begin to think there is some truth in that strange legend of the cross," said Nicholas.

"Notwithstanding her blindness, the old hag must have managed to read the magic verse upon it, and so have rendered herself invisible.