"Will you sheathe it?" the old man asked mildly.
"Since it is of no particular use," bitterly.
"I could have broken it half a dozen times. Here, take it. But be wise in the future, and draw it only in the right."
The gall was bitter on the colonel's tongue, but his head was evenly balanced now. He jammed the blade into the scabbard.
"I should like a word or two with you outside," said the mountaineer.
"To what purpose?"
"To a good one, as you will learn."
The two of them went out. Gretchen, overcome, fell upon Fräu Bauer's neck and wept soundly. The whole affair had been so sudden and appalling.
Outside the old man laid his hand on the colonel's arm.