He tried to mutter a prayer, but his lips refused their office.

He would have moved, but his limbs were stiffened and paralysed, and he could only gaze aghast at the terrible spectacle.
Amidst it all he heard a wild burst of unearthly laughter, proceeding, he thought, from Demdike, and it filled him with new dread.

But he could not check the sound, neither could he stop his ears, though he would fain have done so.

Like him, his companions were petrified and speechless with fear.
After this had endured for some time, though still the black torrent rushed on impetuously as ever, Demdike turned to the abbot and said,-- "Your vengeance has been fully gratified.

You will now baptise my child ?" "Never, never, accursed being!" shrieked the abbot.