In this shape the
imp had joined the rendezvous at the mill, and fleeing from the effects
of Robin's valour, maliciously hoped that Lord William would execute a
swift vengeance on his erring bride. But his hand was stayed by another
and more merciful power, and the demon was cast out.
The ring and glove were not found. It was said that Mause Helston had
taken them as a gage of fealty, and dying about the same period, was
denied the rites of Christian burial. Hence may have arisen the belief
which tradition has preserved respecting the Lady Sibyl.
Popular superstition still alleges that her grave was dug where the dark
"Eagle Crag" shoots out its cold bare peak into the sky. Often, it is
said, on the eve of All-Hallows, do the hound and the milk-white doe
meet on the crag--a spectre huntsman in full chase. The belated peasant
crosses himself at the sound as he remembers the fate of "The Witch of
Bernshaw Tower."
[Illustration: LATHOM HOUSE AS IT EXISTED BEFORE THE SIEGE, RESTORED
FROM EXISTING DOCUMENTS.
_Drawn by G. Pickering. Engraved by Edw^d Finden._]
FOOTNOTES:
[42] "Riggin'" or ridging. The hills which divide the counties of York
and Lancaster are sometimes called "th' riggin'," from their being the
highest land between the two seas forming part of what is called the
backbone of England.
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