The purse, on examination, proved to be well provided with silver coins of all sizes, but its bloated appearance was greatly owing to a number of pieces of brown paper folded and doubled.

A light burst on Gerard.

"Why, it must be that old thief's; and see! stuffed with paper to deceive the world!" The wonder was how the burgomaster's purse came on Gerard.
They hit at last upon the right solution.

The purse must have been at Ghysbrecht's saddle-bow, and Gerard rushing at his enemy, had unconsciously torn it away, thus felling his enemy and robbing him, with a single gesture.
Gerard was delighted at this feat, but Margaret was uneasy.
"Throw it away, Gerard, or let Martin take it back.

Already they call you a thief.