"Whose child is she ?" "Ask Bess Device, or Mother Demdike," replied Mother Chattox; "they know more about the matter than me." "I will have thee speak, and to the purpose," cried the lady, angrily.
"Many an one has lost a child who would gladly have it back again," said the old hag, mysteriously.
"Who has lost one ?" asked Mistress Nutter.
"Nay, it passeth me to tell," replied the old woman with affected ignorance.

"Question those who stole her.

I have set you on the track.
If you fail in pursuing it, come to me.

You know where to find me." "You shall not go thus," said Mistress Nutter.

"I will have a direct answer now." And as she spoke she waved her hands twice or thrice over the old woman.
In doing this her figure seemed to dilate, and her countenance underwent a marked and fearful change.