Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/244

220 had seized, or at least they would put off the war till they were well prepared.

"Moreover," said he, "the prince went to Malborg, where, during the absence of the Master, the Grand Marshal entertained him and had tournaments for him, and at present comturs are visiting the prince, and now fresh guests are on the way to him."

Here he stopped and added after a while,—

"People say that the knights are visiting us, and Prince Ziemovit in Plotsk. They would like, of course, that in case of war our princes should help them and not the King of Poland; and if they are unable to bring the princes to act thus to induce them to remain aside quietly— But this will not happen."

"God grant that it will not! How could you stay at home? Your princes are connected with the Polish kingdom. They would not sit quietly, I think."

"They would not."

Zbyshko looked again at the foreign knights and at their peacock-plumes.

"Then are these going for that purpose?" asked he.

"The brothers of the Order, perhaps, for that purpose. Who knows?"

"And that third man?"

"The third is going because he is curious."

"He must be some considerable person."

"Yes! three wagons follow him with rich utensils, and he has nine attendants. God grant to close with such a man! It brings water to one's mouth."

"But can you not do it?"

"How! The prince commanded me to guard him. A hair will not fall from his head till he reaches Tsehanov."

"But if I should challenge them? They might like to do battle with me."

"You would have to do battle with me first, for while I live nothing of that sort will happen."

When Zbyshko heard this he looked in a friendly manner at the young noble, and said,—

"You understand what knightly honor is. I will not fight with you, for I am your friend; but in Tsehanov I shall find a cause against the Germans, God grant."

"In Tsehanov do what may please you. It will not pass there without tournaments; then it may go to the sharp edge, should the prince and the comturs give permission."