Every whisper was smothered into silence as they watched to see the
individuals named perform the test. No one stirred, however, and the
order had to be repeated.

"Mary Burden, Joel Cobbe, Henry Bridge, and Nathan Grene," thundered
the baron, "I command you to answer to your names, or by your silence
shall you be condemned."

Joel Cobbe and Henry Bridge, two of the most disreputable men in the
whole district, went forward in company, and succeeded in touching the
body without a rupture of blood taking place or the body moving its
position one iota.

"Mary Durden, spinster, Nathan Grene, locksmith," repeated Sir George,
"answer to this third, last challenge, or thy last hope of escape is
gone."

Nathan Grene, fuming with ill-concealed rage, stepped out, and a loud
shriek announced the presence of Mary Durden, who was unwillingly
pushed into view by those around her. As soon as she had gained the
little open space that was yet left she fell upon the ground and
swooned away.

"See," said one, "the witch is guilty, she dare not touch the body."

"Drown her," shouted another. "Drown her or burn her."

The clouds which for some time had been gathering together, and
which by this time had completely obscured the moon, now burst with a
torrent of rain. A flash of lightning for a brief moment illuminated