‘Why, my Preciosa?’
‘My father knows all—how, I cannot conjecture, but he does know, and he will not spare you.’
‘My sweet flower,’ said Martin, not in the least alarmed, ‘the old gentleman cannot hurt me. He cannot himself fetch the dogs of justice and set them on me; and he cannot send for them without your consent. There is plenty of time for me to give them the slip. All is arranged. To-night I leave on Jasper’s horse, which he is good enough to lend me.’
‘You do not know my father. He is not alone—Mr. Coyshe is with him. I cannot answer for what he may do.’
‘Hah!’ said Martin, ‘I see! Jealousy may spur him on. He knows that we are rivals. Watt, be off with you after the horse. Perhaps it would be better if I were to depart. I would not spare that pill-compounding Coyshe were he in my power, and I cannot expect him to spare me.’ He spoke, and his action was stagy, calculated to impress Eve.
‘My dear Walter,’ said Martin, ‘go to Morwell some other way than the direct path; workmen may be about—the hour is not so late.’
The boy did not wait for further orders.
‘You need not fear for me,’ said the escaped convict. ‘Even if that despicable roll-pill set off to collect men, I would escape him. I have but to leave this spot, and I am safe. I presume not one of my pursuers will be mounted.’
‘Why have you a fire here?’