The other woodlander arose the moment the door was closed behind his companion.
"Wait a while, my son," said Jerome.
"I have something to say before I go."
"Ah! say on." The priest's face set somewhat sternly, for he did not like the forester's manner.
The fellow began without hesitation, and spoke as a man whose mind was full of the matter whereon he talked. The three in black listened.
"Good father, I have sworn an oath to be thy servant in a certain business."
"And thou canst not break that oath without hurling thy soul to eternal damnation," was the stern rejoinder.
"It is not in my mind to break my oath."
"What then?"
"If thou wilt listen, I will show thee that perhaps it would be better to release me from my vow."