The effect was so sudden and magical, that the shooter himself was stupefied for an instant. Then he hailed his companions to join him in effecting the capture, and himself set off up the hill; but, ere he had got half way, up rose the figure of Martin Wittenhaagen with a bent¹ bow in his hand. Eric Wouverman no sooner saw him in this attitude, than he darted² behind a tree, and made himself as small as possible. Martin's skill with that weapon was well known, and the slain³ dog was a keen reminder⁴ of it.  
Wouverman peered round the bark cautiously: there was the arrow's point still aimed at him. He saw it shine. He dared not move from his shelter.
 
When he had been at peep-ho some minutes, his companions came up in great force.
 
Then, with a scornful laugh, Martin vanished, and presently was heard to ride off on the mule⁵.
 
All the men ran up together. The high ground commanded a view of a narrow but almost interminable glade⁶.
 
They saw Gerard and Margaret running along at a prodigious⁷ distance; they looked like gnats⁸; and Martin galloping⁹ after them ventre a terre.
 
The hunters were outwitted as well as outrun. A few words will explain Martin's conduct............