This accomplished I
found time to praise my companion's diligence; but finding her all
wearied out with such rough and arduous labour, grew mighty vexed with
my heedlessness, reproaching myself therewith; but she (and all
toilworn as she was) laughed her weariness to scorn, as was ever her
way:

"Why, Martin," says she, "labour is a good thing and noble since it
giveth health and strength to both mind and body. And 'tis my joy to
share in your labours when I may and a delight to see how, cast here
destitute of all things, you have contrived so much already. The more
I work and the harder, the more able am I for work, so trouble not if I
do grow a little weary sometimes!" This comforted me somewhat until,
chancing to see her hands, I caught them in mine and turning them saw
these tender palms all red and blistered with the ropes; and grieving
over them I would have kissed the poor little things had I dared (and
indeed came mighty nigh doing it) as she perceived, I think, for she
flushed and laughed and drew them from my hold.

"Nay, Martin," says she softly. "I would have you forget my
sex--sometimes!"

"'Twere a thing impossible!" says I, whereat she, stealing a glance at
me, flushed all the hotter.

"Why then," says she, "You must not coddle and cosset me because I am a
woman--"

"Never," quoth I, "'tis not my nature to do so."

"And yet you do, Martin."

"As how?"

"O in many ways--these blisters now, why should your hands grow rough
and hard and not mine? Nature hath formed me woman but Fate hath made
me your comrade, Martin. And how may I be truly your comrade except I
share your toil?"

Now when I would have answered I could not, and turning from her to
stare away across the limitless ocean saw it a-gleam through a mist as
it were.

"Surely," says I at last, "O surely never had man so sweet and true a
comrade! And I so rude and unlovely--and in all ways so unworthy."

"But you are not, Martin, you are not!"

"Aye, but I am--beyond your guessing, you that are so pure, so
saintly--"

"Saintly? O Martin!" and here she laughs albeit a little tremulously.
"Surely I am a very human saint, for I do grow mighty hungry and yearn
for my supper. So prithee let us go and eat."

But on our way we turned aside to see if we had any fortune with my
snares; sure enough, coming nigh the place we heard a shuffling and
snorting, and presently discovered a goat fast by the neck and
half-choked, and beside