now in that same creek whereas the serpent used to lurk when I was
little, we have a thing come, which is made to swim on the water; and
I, could I have a long pole to shove withal.

But no time she had to make an end, ere the witch-wife sprang up and
turned on her with a snarl as of an evil dog, and her face changed
horribly: her teeth showed grinning, her eyes goggled in her head,
her brow was all to-furrowed, and her hands clenched like iron
springs.

Birdalone shuddered back from her and cringed in mere terror, but had
no might to cry out. The witch hauled her up by the hair, and
dragged her head back so that her throat lay bare before her all
along. Then drew the witch a sharp knife from her girdle, and raised
her hand over her, growling and snarling like a wolf. But suddenly
she dropped the knife, her hand fell to her side, and she fell in a
heap on the floor and lay there hushed.

Birdalone stood gazing on her, and trembling in every limb; too
confused was she to think or do aught, though some image off light
through the open door passed before her: but her feet seemed of
lead, and, as in an evil dream, she had no might to move her limbs,
and the minutes went by as she stood there half dead with fear.

At last, (and belike it was no long while) the witch-wife came to
herself again, and sat up on the floor, and looked all about the
chamber, and when her eyes fell upon Birdalone, she said in a weak
voice, yet joyfully; Hah! thou art there still, my good servant!
Then she said: A sickness fell upon me suddenly, as whiles it is
wont; but now am I myself again; and presently I have a word for