46 THE FIRESIDE SPHINX 



the Devil gave to each of them " a beast about the 

 bigness and shape of a young cat," which creature 

 was called a "carrier," its especial duty being to 

 steal the butter, cheese, milk, and bacon which 

 constituted their simple offerings to the Prince of 

 Darkness. These thievish cats accompanied them 

 to " Blockula," the palace of Satan, and shared 

 such entertainment as was given them. 



The readiness of the children to incriminate 

 themselves was surpassed by the infatuation of 

 their judges. Fifteen of the poor little culprits 

 were actually condemned to death and executed 

 for their hallucinations. Thirty-six were whipped 

 every Sunday for a year before the church doors, 

 and others were punished with varying degrees of 

 severity. So widespread was the interest awakened 

 in this trial, that it extended even to England, then 

 much occupied with witches of her own. The Duke 

 of Holstein attempted to acquaint himself with 

 all the particulars ; but was discouraged by the 

 Swedish authorities, who deemed it best to bury the 

 matter in oblivion. 



Girt with mystery, burdened with subtle associa- 

 tions of evil, abhorred by the timorous and devout, 

 how was the cat to escape from the long martyrdom 

 which awaited her ? The Church offered no asylum 

 to this poor fugitive, albeit she was not without her 

 advocates in Heaven, since both Saint Ives, patron 



