"I did it--and you paid for it--and all the gold is mine."
"But are you quite sure that he is dead?"
"Sure--yes, and in judgment now, if there is any."
Vanslyperken surveyed the body of Smallbones, who, although he had heard every word, lay without motion, for he knew his life depended on it. After a minute or two the lieutenant was satisfied.
"I must go on board now, mother; but what will you do with the body?"
"Leave that to me; who ever comes in here? Leave that to me, craven, and, as you say, go on board."
Vanslyperken opened the door, and went out of the room; the old hag made the door fast, and then sat down on the chair, which she replaced by the side of the fire with her back to Smallbones.
The lad felt very faint from loss of blood, and was sick at the stomach, but his senses were in their full vigour.
He now was assured that Vanslyperken was gone, and that he had only the old woman opposed to him. His courage was unsubdued, and he resolved to act in self-defence if required; and he softly drew the bayonet out of his breast, and then watched the murderous old hag, who was rocking herself in the chair.
"Yes, yes, the gold is mine," muttered she--"I've won it, and I'll count it. I won it dearly;--another murder--well, 'tis but one more. Let me see, what shall I do with the body? I must burn it, by bits and bits--and I'll count the gold--it's all mine, for he's dead."