"You doubt! Nay, but I see what it is! It is this," he continued slowly and in a different tone, "the King's will goes for nothing in Angers! His writ runs not here.

And Holy Church cries in vain for help against the oppressor.

I tell you, the sorceress who has bewitched him has bewitched you also.

Beware! beware, therefore, lest it be with you as with him! And the fire that shall consume her, spare not your houses!" The two citizens crossed themselves, grew pale and shuddered.

The fear of witchcraft was great in Angers, the peril, if accused of it, enormous.
Even the Canons looked startled.
"If--if my brother were here," the Archdeacon repeated feebly, "something might be done!" "Vain is the help of man!" the priest retorted sternly, and with a gesture of sublime dismissal.