Hicks. Some cynic interest he derived from the
spectacle of young Blanchard among the bearers; and indeed, as may be
supposed, few had felt this tragic termination of his friend's life more
than Will. Very genuine remorse darkened his days, and he blamed himself
bitterly enough for all past differences with the dead. It was in a mood
at once contrite and sorrowful that he listened to the echo of falling
clod, and during that solemn sound mentally traversed the whole course
of his relations with his sister's lover. Of himself he thought not at
all, and no shadowy suspicion of relief crossed his mind upon the
reflection that the knowledge of those fateful weeks long past was now
unshared. In all his quarrels with Clement, no possibility of the man
breaking his oath once troubled Will's mind; and now profound sorrow at
his friend's death and deep sympathy with Chris were the emotions that
entirely filled the young farmer's heart.

Grimbal watched his enemy as the service beside the grave proceeded.
Once a malignant thought darkened his face, and he mused on what the
result might be if he hinted to Blanchard the nature of his frustrated
business with Hicks at Oke Tor. All Chagford had heard was that the
master of the Red House intended to accept Clement Hicks as tenant of
his home farm. The fact surprised many, but none looked behind it for
any mystery, and Will least of all. Grimbal's thoughts developed upon
his first idea; and he asked himself the consequence if, instead of
telling Blanchard that he had gone to learn his secret, he should
pretend that it was already in his possession. The notion shone for a
moment only, then went out. First it showed itself absolutely futile,
for he could do no more than threaten, and the other must speedily
discover that in reality he knew nothing; and secondly, some shadow of
feeling made Grimbal hesitate. His desire for revenge was now developing
on new lines, and while his purpose remained unshaken, his last defeat
had taught him patience. Partly from motives of policy, partly, strange
as it may seem, from his instincts as a sportsman, he determined to let
the matter of Hicks lie buried. For the dead man's good name he cared
nothing, however, and victory over Will was only the more desired for
this postponement. His black tenacity of purpose won strength from the
repulse, but the problem for the time being was removed from its former
sphere of active hatred towards his foe. How long t