"I would not set foot on that accursed stone for half the county.

Its malign influence on our house has been approved too often.

The first to experience the fatal destiny were Richard Assheton and John Braddyll, the purchasers of the Abbey.

Both met here together on the anniversary of the abbot's execution--some forty years after its occurrence, it is true, and when they were both pretty well stricken in years--and within that year, namely 1578, both died, and were buried in the vault on the opposite side of the church, not many paces from their old enemy.

The last instance was my poor brother Richard, who, being incredulous as you are, was resolved to brave the destiny, and stationed himself upon the tomb during divine service, but he too died within the appointed time." "He was bewitched to death--so, at least, it is affirmed," said Richard Assheton, with a smile.