"I am for the ordeal of swimming.

How say you, masters! Shall we be content with this doubtful experiment ?" "Neaw--neaw," responded Jem Device, who acted as spokesman to the crowd, "swim her--swim her!" "I knew you would have it so," said Potts, approvingly.

"Where is a fitting place for the trial ?" "Th' Abbey pool is nah fur off," replied Jem, "or ye con tay her to th' Calder." "The river, by all means--nothing like a running stream," said Potts.
"Let cords be procured to bind her." "Run fo 'em quickly, Ben," said Jem to Baggiley, who was very zealous in the cause.
"Oh!" groaned Nance, again losing courage, and glancing piteously at Richard.
"No outrage like this shall be perpetrated," cried the young man, firmly; "I call upon you, cousin Nicholas, to help me.

Go into the church," he added, thrusting Nance backward, and presenting his sword at the breast of Jem Device, who attempted to follow her, and who retired muttering threats and curses; "I will run the first man through the body who attempts to pass." As Nan Redferne made good her retreat, and shut the church-door after her, Master Potts, pale with rage, cried out to Richard, "You have aided the escape of a desperate and notorious offender--actually in custody, sir, and have rendered yourself liable to indictment for it, sir, with consequences of fine and imprisonment, sir:--heavy fine and long imprisonment, sir.

Do you mark me, Master Richard ?" "I will answer the consequences of my act to those empowered to question it, sir," replied Richard, sternly.
"Well, sir, I have given you notice," rejoined Potts, "due notice.