The abbots of Salley and Jervaux, with the Prior of Burlington, will be with me at midnight, and at daybreak we shall march our forces to join the main army.

Heaven be with you!" "Stay!" cried a harsh, imperious voice.

"Stay!" And, to his surprise, the abbot beheld Nicholas Demdike standing before him.

The aspect of the wizard was dark and forbidding, and, seen by the beacon light, his savage features, blazing eyes, tall gaunt frame, and fantastic garb, made him look like something unearthly.

Flinging his staff over his shoulder, he slowly approached, with his black hound following close by at his heels.
"I have a caution to give you, lord abbot," he said; "hear me speak before you set out for the abbey, or ill will befall you." "Ill _will_ befall me if I listen to thee, thou wicked churl," cried the abbot.