And the same ghostly figure was often seen to glide through the corridor in the abbot's lodging, and vanish at the door of the chamber leading to the little oratory.

Thus Whalley Abbey was supposed to be haunted, and few liked to wander through its deserted cloisters, or ruined church, after dark.

The abbot's tragical end was thus recorded:-- Johannes Paslew: Capitali Effectus Supplicio.
12ｺ Mensis Martii, 1537.
As to the infant, upon whom the abbot's malediction fell, it was reserved for the dark destinies shadowed forth in the dread anathema he had uttered: to the development of which the tragic drama about to follow is devoted, and to which the fate of Abbot Paslew forms a necessary and fitting prologue.

Thus far the veil of the Future may be drawn aside.

That infant and her progeny became the LANCASHIRE WITCHES.
END OF THE INTRODUCTION.
THE LANCASHIRE WITCHES.
BOOK THE FIRST.
Alizon Device..