These humble words from Margaret, who till that day had held the whip hand rather surprised Martin for the moment. They recurred to him some time afterwards, and then they surprised him less.
Gerard kissed her tenderly in return for her wife-like docility, and they pursued their journey hand-in-hand, Martin leading the way, into the depths of the huge forest. The farther they went the more absolutely secure from pursuit they felt. Indeed the townspeople never ventured so far as this into the trackless part of the forest.
Impetuous natures repent quickly. Gerard was no sooner out of all danger, than his conscience began to prick him.
"Martin, would I had not struck quite so hard."
"Whom? Oh! let that pass; he is cheap served."
"Martin, I saw his grey hairs as my stick fell on him. I doubt they will not from my sight this while."
Martin grunted with contempt. "Who spares a badger for his grey hairs? The greyer your enemy is, the older; and the older the craftier; and the craftier the better for a little killing."
"Killing? Killing, Martin? speak not of killing!" And Gerard shook all over.
"I am much mistook if you have not," said Martin cheerfully.
"Now Heaven forbid!"