no spells ! I be a good Christian . Ask my man Tom , else . '' `` Nay , but this is white magic , '' said Dick . `` It doth naught with the devil ; only the powers of numbers , herbs , and planets . '' `` Ay , ay , '' said Pirret ; '' 't is but white magic , gossip . There is no sin therein , I do assure you . But proceed , good youth . This spell -- in what should it consist ? '' `` Nay , that I will incontinently show you , '' answered Dick . `` Have ye there the ring ye took from my finger ? Good ! Now hold it forth before you by the extreme finger-ends , at the arm 's - length , and over against the shining of these embers . 'T is so exactly . Thus , then , is the spell . '' With a haggard glance , Dick saw the coast was clear between him and the door . He put up an internal prayer . Then whipping forth his arm , he made but one snatch of the ring , and at the same instant , levering up the table , he sent it bodily over upon the seaman Tom . He , poor soul , went down bawling under the ruins ; and before Arblaster understood that anything was wrong , or Pirret could collect his dazzled wits , Dick had run to the door and escaped into the moonlit night . The moon , which now rode in the mid-heavens , and the extreme whiteness of the snow , made the open ground about the harbour bright as day ; and young Shelton leaping , with kilted robe , among the lumber , was a conspicuous figure from afar .
Tom and XXXXX followed him with shouts ; from every drinking-shop they were joined by others whom their cries aroused ; and presently a whole fleet of sailors was in full pursuit .
't Christian Dick Pirret Shelton day embers harbour mid-heavens night