Smilingly the lady thought that this might be given as an example to the villagers. Turn aside, and you will be free from fear of what comes rolling behind you, threatening destruction.
But one must not give country-folk an illustration from their own immediate surroundings. Clergymen understand this; or perhaps hold by tradition that only strange, powerful figures have any effect. This is why they so like to speak of the storm-tossed ship on the sea, of the palmy oases in the desert; when neither they, nor their hearers, have ever seen either.
Engaged in these thoughts, Madam Pfann had reached the plateau, and came in sight of Landolin's house. The shingled roof glittered in the mid-day sun, and the tree on the east side was standing full of nuts.
Although Landolin, who was sitting on the bench before the house, saw the lady coming, he did not move, but kept on cracking nuts in his hand, and shelling out the kernels. Not until she had drawn very near did he rise and say:
"Good-day, Madam. Will you not rest here a little while?"
"Properly speaking, none. Or perhaps--I hope----
"I would like to talk with you in the house; not here."
"My wife, I'm sorry to say, is sick. It's nothing serious, but she might wake up."
"If you wish, why not? But are you not afraid to be alone with a murderer?"
"You must not say that word again; and no one else must. I hope to root out even the thought of it from every mind."
"You'll have to use witchcraft," thought Landolin; but nevertheless he wondered what the lady had to say.
When the two rose, Peter came from behind the nut-tree. It was strange, one met Peter everywhere. It seemed as though he had come out of the wall, or through the steps. Without paying any attention to the fact that his sudden appearance must be surprising, Peter said, very submissively:
"Madam does us great honor in coming to see us. Great folks know what is the proper thing to do. They are the best, after all."
Landolin opened his eyes wide at hearing Peter talk thus. "Where has the boy learned it all?" The lady, too, looked at him in astonishment; but Peter went on composedly:
"Madam, my father keeps no secrets from me. May I not know what news you bring us?"
With these words Peter fixed his eyes sternly upon his father, that he might not be able to give the lady the slightest sign, even with his eye. But the judge's wife helped him out, for she replied: