The unfortunate magistrate fully comprehended his danger, but he could now neither offer remonstrance nor entreaty. What was passing in his breast seemed known to Mistress Nutter; for she motioned the double to stay, and, touching the brow of Nowell with the point of her forefinger, instantly restored his power of speech. "I will give you a last chance," she said. "Will you obey me now?" "I must, perforce," replied Nowell: "the contest is too unequal." "You may retire, then," she cried to the double. And stepping backwards, the figure lifted up the tapestry, and disappeared behind it. "I can breathe, now that infernal being is gone," cried Nowell, sinking into the chair. "Oh! madam, you have indeed terrible power." "You will do well not to brave it again," she rejoined. "Shall I summon Master Potts to prepare the conveyance?" "Oh! no--no!" cried Nowell. "I do not desire the land. I will not have it. I shall pay too dearly for it. Only let me get out of this horrible place?" "Not so quickly, sir," rejoined Mistress Nutter. "Before you go hence, I must bind you to the performance of my injunctions. Pronounce these words after me,--'May I become subject to the Fiend if I fail in my promise.'" "I will never utter them!" cried Nowell, shuddering. "Then I shall recall your double," said the lady. "Hold, hold!" exclaimed Nowell. "Let me know what you require of me." "I require absolute silence on your part, as to all you have seen and heard here, and cessation of hostility towards me and the persons I have already named," replied Mistress Nutter; "and I require a declaration from you, in the presence of the two Asshetons, that you are fully satisfied of the justice of my claims in respect to the land; and that, mortified by your defeat, you have brought a false charge against me, which you now sincerely regret. This I require from you; and you must ratify the promise by the abjuration I have proposed. 'May I become subject to the Fiend if I fail in my promise.'" The magistrate repeated the words after her. As he finished, mocking laughter, apparently resounding from below, smote his ears. "Enough!" cried Mistress Nutter, triumphantly; "and now take good heed that you swerve not in the slightest degree from your word, or you are for ever lost." Again the mocking laughter was heard, and Nowell would have rushed forth, if Mistress Nutter had not withheld him. "Stay!" she cried, "I have not done with you yet! My witnesses must hear your declaration. Remember!"