Again she watched, but there was no motion—­a stream of blood appeared from under the bed, and ran in a little rivulet towards the fire-place.

“I wish I could pull him out,” said the old woman, lugging at the lad’s legs; “another blow or two would make more sure.”  But the effort was above her strength, and she abandoned it.  “It’s no matter,” muttered she; “he’ll never tell tales again.”

But there the old hag was mistaken; Smallbones had been stunned, but not killed; the blow of the hammer had fortunately started off, divided the flesh of the skull for three inches, with a gash which descended to his ear.  At the very time that she uttered her last expressions, Smallbones was recovering his senses, but he was still confused, as if in a dream.

“Yes, yes,” said the old woman, after some minutes’ pause, “all the gold is mine.”

The lad heard this sentence, and he now remembered where he was, and what had taken place.  He was about to rise, when there was a knocking at the door, and he lay still.  It was Vanslyperken.  The door was opened by the old beldame.

“Is it done?” said he, in a loud whisper.

“Done!” cried the hag; “yes, and well done.  Don’t tell me of charmed life.  My blows are sure—­see there.”

“Are you sure that he is dead?”

“Quite sure, child—­and all the gold is mine.”

Vanslyperken looked with horror at the stream of blood still flowing, and absorbed by the ashes in the grate.

“It was you did it, mother; recollect it was not I,” cried he.

“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.”