I have a clear case of assault and battery against Master Nicholas Assheton, or I may proceed against him criminally for an attempt on my life." "Have you given him no provocation, sir ?" demanded Sir Ralph, sternly.
"No provocation can justify the treatment I have experienced, Sir Ralph," replied Potts.

"However, to show I am a man of peace, and harbour no resentment, however just grounds I may have for such a feeling, I am willing to make up the matter with Master Nicholas, provided--" "He offers you a handsome consideration, eh ?" said the squire.
"Provided he offers me a handsome apology--such as a gentleman may accept," rejoined Potts, consequentially.
"And which he will not refuse, I am sure," said Sir Ralph, glancing at his cousin.
"I should certainly be sorry to have drowned you," said the squire--"very sorry." "Enough--enough--I am content," cried Potts, holding out his hand, which Nicholas grasped with an energy that brought tears into the little man's eyes.
"I am glad the matter is amicably adjusted," observed Roger Nowell, "for I suspect both parties have been to blame.

And I must now request you, Master Potts, to forego your search, and inquiries after witches, till such time as you have settled this question of the boundary line for me.
One matter at a time, my good sir." "But, Master Nowell," cried Potts, "my much esteemed and singular good client--" "I will have no nay," interrupted Nowell, peremptorily.
"Hum!" muttered Potts; "I shall lose the best chance of distinction ever thrown in my way." "I care not," said Nowell.
"Just as you came up, Master Nowell," observed Nicholas, "I was examining a plan of the disputed estates in Pendle Forest.

It differs from yours, and, if correct, certainly substantiates Mistress Nutter's claim." "I have mine with me," replied Nowell, producing a plan, and opening it.
"We can compare the two, if you please.

The line runs thus:--From the foot of Pendle Hill, beginning with Barley Booth, the boundary is marked by a stone wall, as far as certain fields in the occupation of John Ogden.