Tom and Father Stocks go to the local magistrate, Roger Nowell, and are met by the housekeeper Mistress Wurmalde, whom Tom recognises as a witch. Tom swears out a complaint of kidnapping. Magistrate Nowell sets out for Malkin Tower with Tom and Father Stocks, taking along a constable and two bailiffs. When the witches won't admit them, the magistrate tells Tom and Father Stocks to go back to his house, where they will be his guests for the night while he rides to the nearest army garrison for help.