‘He did not care,’ he said; ‘he wasn’t afraid of all Darlington put together,’ he swore more than once.
“While he was talking, Andrew went out of the parlour, and went along the road towards home.
‘You had better take the road through the forest,’ said the landlord to him; ‘it is much nearer, Andrew, my boy, than by going along the road.’
“Andrew did not make any reply, but went his way.
“In about half an hour the stranger rose, buttoned up his coat, and, with a thick stick in his hand, went forth alone.
“‘I’m going to Darlington,’ he said.
“‘But, you said you were a stranger in these parts,’ the old publican remarked, ‘and, if that is so, you may miss your way.’
“‘Never fear,’ said the burly stranger, laughing. ‘I heard you say the path through the woods was much nearer than by the road, so I’ll take the shortest cut.’
“The landlord begged of him not to go, but go he would and did.
“What happened afterwards I could only learn from his own lips, as he lay weltering in his blood, about half an hour afterwards, for in that time he was brought in by two rustics, with his throat fearfully gashed.