"Seize him!" cried Gamel.
The guards, trembling, prepared to execute his commands, but on gaining
the outworks of the castle, no vestige remained of his appearance, save
a slight whirlwind of dust, like a mist-wreath curling down the valley,
which, to their terrified apprehensions, became the chariot of the
departing demon. Nothing could shake this belief; and in after ages the
boy was spoken of as a changeling, left by some fairy, whose appointed
sojourn had been then accomplished, the means for his release being
fulfilled. Old Cicely became nigh crazed with the loss of her son; but
Gamel, seriously pondering on these events, sought counsel from the
"Holy Church." It was therein resolved that the intended site should be
removed, and the "_unknown_" by such removal appeased. The chapel of St
Chadde was accordingly built on the hill-top, where the church now
stands, and unto which the foundations had been so marvellously
conveyed. One hundred and twenty-four steps were dug to accomplish the
ascent, and enable the good people to go to prayers. Connected with
these, the tradition still exists; and unto this day it is here
observed, that _"Strangers prosper in the town of Rochdale; but the
natives are generally unfortunate in their undertakings.
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