Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/204

180 After a time the company moved on, but in silence; only when Kresnia was in sight did the abbot feel at his girdle and turn the side toward the front so that he might seize his swordhilt easily.

"Old Vilk of Brozova will come, and surely with a large retinue," said he.

"Surely," confirmed Zyh, "but the servants said something about his being sick."

"One of my clerics heard that he was to attack us before the inn after mass."

"He would not do that without announcement, and especially after holy mass."

"May God send him thoughtfulness; I seek war with no man, and endure injustice patiently."

Here he looked around on his "playmen," and said.—

"Do not draw your swords, and remember that ye are clerical servants; but if the others draw theirs first, go at them!"

Zbyshko, riding at Yagenka's side, inquired of her touching that which concerned him principally.

"We shall find young Vilk and Stan in Kresnia, surely. Show the men to me at a distance, so that I may know them."

"Very well, Zbyshko," answered Yagenka.

"Before church and after church they meet thee, of course. What do they do then?"

"They serve me as they know how."

"They will not serve thee to-day, dost understand?"

She answered again, almost with humility, "Very well, Zbyshko."

Further conversation was interrupted by the sound of wooden knockers, because there were no bells then in Kresnia. After a while they arrived. From the crowds, waiting for mass before the church, came forth at once young Vilk and Stan; but Zbyshko was quicker, he sprang from his horse before they could come, seizing Yagenka by the side he helped her from the saddle, took her arm, looked at them challengingly, and led her to the church.

At the entrance a new disappointment was awaiting them. Both hastened to the holy water font, and dipping their hands in it, extended them to the maiden. But Zbyshko did the same; she touched his fingers, made the sign of the cross on herself, and entered the church with him. Not only young Vilk, but Stan of Rogov, though he had a small mind,