The reply wass a pistol bullet und Master Lennox, being young und like the young prone to swift anger, fired back.

But the man hass escaped with hiss spoil, whatefer it iss, und you only, Hendrik, know what it iss." Hendrik Martinus looked at Jacobus Huysman and Jacobus Huysman looked squarely back at him.

The angry fire died out of the eyes of Martinus, and instead came a swift look of comprehension which passed in an instant.

When he spoke again his tone was changed remarkably: "Doubtless it was a robber," he said, "and I thank you, Mynheer Jacobus, and Master Lennox, and your boy Peter, for your attempt to catch him.
But I fear that he has escaped." "I will pursue him und capture him," exclaimed Mynheer Andrius Tefft, who stood by, listening to their words and puffing and blowing.
"I fear it iss too late, Andrius," said Mynheer Jacobus Huysman, shaking his head.

"If anyone could do it, it would be you, but doubtless Mynheer Hendrik hass not lost anything that he cannot replace, und it would be better for you, Andrius, to watch well here und guard against future attempts." "That would be wise, no doubt," said Martinus, and Robert thought he detected an uneasy note in his voice.
"Then I will go," said Andrius Tefft, and he walked on, swinging his lantern high and wide, until its beams fell on every house and tree and shrub.
"I will return to my house," said Mynheer Martinus.