Now in saying that the room was thick with smoke Jan lied, for both the men's pipes went out when they began to talk. But as I knew why he lied I did not think so much of it. To tell the truth, at that moment I could see little better than he could, since, although I would have poisoned those two Scotchmen before I suffered them to take Ralph away, the very thought of his going was enough to fill my eyes with tears, and to cause Suzanne to weep aloud shamelessly.
"Wait a bit, father--I beg your pardon, Jan Botmar," said Ralph in a clear and angry voice; "it is my turn now, for you may remember that when we began to talk I had something to say, but you stopped me. Now, with your leave, as you have got off the horse I will get on."
Jan slowly sat down again and said: "Speak. What is it?"
"This: that if you send me away you are likely to lose more than you bargain for."
Now Jan stared at him perplexedly, but I smiled, for I guessed what was to come.
"What am I likely to lose," he asked, "beyond my best horse and my felt hat? Allemachter! Do you want my span of black oxen also? Well, you shall have them if you like, for I should wish you to trek to your new home in England behind good cattle."
"No," answered Ralph coolly, "but I want your daughter, and if you send me away I think that she will come with me."