Запретный лес

           "Ifonyneighbourhasonymisdeedinhismind,I’llwarranttowringitooto’theprickerasglibasabairn’sschule-lesson.I’llmak’himowntotheBlackMassinthekirkonHallowe’en....There’snanespeaks?Weel,we’llleavethedott’reltohisainconscience."

           Herelaxedhisgrip,andthemandroppedgibberingandhalf-senselessonthefloor.

           "There’syourbonnypricker,"saidMarktoChasehope."There’syourchoseninstrumentforgettingtruthouto’auldwives.Doasyoulikewi’him,butIcounselyetogethimfurtho’theparishifhebeafriendo’yours,orthefolkwillhaehiminthedeepestholeinWoodileeburn."

           Chasehope,whiteandstammering,foundhimselfdesertedbyhisallies,buthestillshowedfight.

           "Iprotest,"hecried."Ikennawhathellishtricksye’veplayedonaworthyman--"

           "Justthesametricksasheplayedontheauldwife--aweebito’speirin’."

           "It’snomyblame,"saidChasehope,changinghisground,"ifIhaveleanedonabrokenreed.Themanwassentherebyfolkthatvouchedforhisworth.Andnevertheless,whatevertheweaknesso’theinstrument,theLordhaswrochtthroughhimtoproduceaconfession--"

           "Ay.Justso,"saidMarkdryly."Butwhatkindo’instrumentisyontoprocurethetruth?Willyegetcallerwaterouto’afoulpipe?"

           "TheLordworks--"Chasehopebegan,butMarkbrokeinonhim.Hisdarkmockingface,inwhichthesquintofthelefteyewasnowmostnoticeableandformidable,wasthrustclosetotheother’s.

           "Seehere,mybonnyman.