Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/319

Rh The Cheh, though occupied altogether with looking toward the fires, turned his head on hearing Zbyshko's words, and asked,—

"Then was the master of Spyhov to come?"

"He was."

"With the young lady?"

"But really the fire is hidden," remarked Zbyshko.

The flame had died out, in fact, but on the road right there near the sleighs appeared a number of horsemen.

"Why ride onto us?" cried the watchful Cheh, grasping his crossbow. "Who are ye?"

"People of the prince, sent to help wayfarers."

"Jesus Christ be praised!"

"For the ages of ages."

"Conduct us to the town!" called out Zbyshko.

"Has none of you dropped behind?"

"None."

"Whence come ye?"

"From Prasnysh."

"And saw ye no other travellers on the way?"

"We did not. But perhaps there are others on other roads."

"Men are looking for them on all the roads. Come with us. Ye have lost the road! Turn to the right!"

They turned their horses. For some time nothing was heard save the roar of the tempest.

"Are there many guests in the old castle?" asked Zbyshko, after a while.

The nearest horseman, who had not heard distinctly, bent toward him and asked,—

"What did you say?"

"I asked if there were many guests with the prince and princess."

"As usual, a good number of them!"

"But the lord of Spyhov, is he there?"

"He is not, but they expect him. People have gone out to meet him also."

"With torches?"

"How go with torches in this wind?"

They were unable to converse longer, for the noise of the snow-tempest increased.

"A real devil's wedding!" said the Cheh.

Zbyshko commanded him to be silent, and not mention foul names.