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In fine, a verdict was rendered against the two clergymen. They were deposed from the ministry and put in close prison. So great was the stir they had caused that in 1599 Samuel Harsnett, chaplain to the Bishop of London, published A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practises of John Darrel, a careful résumé of the entire case, with a complete exposure of Darrel's trickery.
The exorcist now turned his skill upon a young apprenticed musician of Nottingham. According to Darrel's story of the affair, William Somers had nine years before met an old woman who had threatened him. Again, more than a year before Darrel came to Nottingham, Somers had had two encounters with a strange woman "at a deep cole-pit, hard by the way-side."
The book is an exposure, in 324 pages, of Darrel's various impostures, and is based mainly on the depositions given in his trial at Lambeth. A True Narration of the strange and grevous Vexation by the Devil of seven persons in Lancashire ..., 1600. Written by Darrel. Reprinted in 1641 with the title A True Relation of the grievous handling of William Somers of Nottingham.
One of Darrel's friends complained bitterly that the exorcist was not allowed to make "his particular defences" but "was still from time to time cut off by the Lord Bishop of London." No doubt the bishop may have been somewhat arbitrary. It was his privilege under the procedure of the high commission court, and he was dealing with one whom he deemed a very evident impostor.
"Pray," continued Sir Ulick, "do you like a gig, a curricle, or a phaeton best, or what carriage will you have? there is Tom Darrel's in London now, who can bring it over for you. Well, we can settle that to-morrow." "If you please thank you, kind Sir Ulick how can you think so quickly of every thing?"
Whether from alarm or because he had anew come under Darrel's influence, Somers refused to confess before the commission and again acted out his fits with such success that the commission seems to have been convinced of the reality of his possession. This was a notable victory for the exorcist.
All through their exciting adventures the lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolution, and their experience makes one of the most interesting tales ever written. The Island Treasure; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By FRANK H. CONVERSE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. Harry Darrel, having received a nautical training on a school-ship, bent on going to sea.
Darrel was a Puritan and had nothing to do with the Catholic performances. It is quite possible to suppose, however, that its course would have been run in much the same way at a later time. For Darrel's story see The Triall of Maist. Dorrel, or A Collection of Defences against Allegations ... , 15-21. See Harsnett, Discovery, 310. Katherine Wright's evil spirit returned later.
As for Alse Gooderidge, she was tried at the assizes, convicted by the jury, and sentenced by Lord Chief-Justice Anderson to imprisonment. She died soon after. This affair undoubtedly widened Darrel's reputation. Not long after, a notable case of possession in Lancashire afforded him a new opportunity to attract notice.
"I expect it's easier said than done," returned the thickset villain. "Twixt you 'n me, Ruggles, Dyke Darrel's cut his eye teeth, an' he don't walk into no traps with his eyes open, I can tell you that." "Well, we'll see about it. I flatter myself that I'm sharper than any detective that ever lived."
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