As the beacon flame increased, it lighted up the whole of the extensive table-land on the summit of Pendle Hill; and a long lurid streak fell on the darkling moss-pool near which the wizard had stood.

But when it attained its utmost height, it revealed the depths of the forest below, and a red reflection, here and there, marked the course of Pendle Water.

The excitement of the abbot and his companions momently increased, and the sentinels shouted as each new beacon was lighted.

At last, almost every hill had its watch-fire, and so extraordinary was the spectacle, that it seemed as if weird beings were abroad, and holding their revels on the heights.
Then it was that the abbot, mounting his steed, called out to the monks--"Holy fathers, you will follow to the abbey as you may.

I shall ride fleetly on, and despatch two hundred archers to Huddersfield and Wakefield.