[The Lancashire Witches by William Harrison Ainsworth]@TWC D-Link bookThe Lancashire Witches CHAPTER II 10/13
Bent on Assheton's preservation, he adopted the latter expedient, and instantly lost his feet; while the herdsman, unable longer to hold him, let go the crook, and the abbot and Assheton were swept down the stream together. Down--down they went, destruction apparently awaiting them; but the abbot, though sometimes quite under the water, and bruised by the rough stones and gravel with which he came in contact, still retained his self-possession, and encouraged his companion to hope for succour.
In this way they were borne down to the foot of the hill, the monks, the herdsmen, and the men-at-arms having given them up as lost.
But they yet lived--yet floated--though greatly injured, and almost senseless, when they were cast into a pool formed by the eddying waters at the foot of the hill.
Here, wholly unable to assist himself, Assheton was seized by a black hound belonging to a tall man who stood on the bank, and who shouted to Paslew, as he helped the animal to bring the drowning man ashore, "The other half of the abbey is gone from thee.
Wilt thou baptise my child if I send my dog to save thee ?" "Never!" replied the other, sinking as he spoke. Flashes of fire glanced in the abbot's eyes, and stunning sounds seemed to burst his ears.
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