Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/34

10 the world Vilno would not see near its walls an armed German. But if that be true, whose hands did the work?"

Matsko of Bogdanets stretched forth his hands, which were broad and strong beyond measure; others began to nod and add,—

"Yes, yes! he is right in what he says."

But further conversation was interrupted by a noise coming through the windows, from which the panes had been taken because the night was bright and warm. From afar was heard a clinking, the voices of people, the snorting of horses, and songs. Those present were astonished, for the hour was late and the moon had risen high in the heavens. The innkeeper, a German, ran out to the court of the inn, but before the guests could drain the last tankard he returned still more hurriedly.

"Some court is coming!" exclaimed he.

A moment later at the door appeared a youth in a blue kaftan, and on his head a red folding cap. He stopped, looked at the company, and seeing the host said,—

"Wipe the tables there and trim the lights; will halt here to rest."

Then he turned away. In the inn there was a movement, the host called to his servants and the guests looked at one another with astonishment.

"Princess Anna Danuta!" said one of the citizens; "that is the daughter of ; she is wife of . She has passed two weeks already in Cracow, but went out to Zator, to Prince Vatslav on a visit, and now is returning of course."

"Gossip Gamroth," said the second citizen, "let us go to the hay in the barn; this company is too high for us."

"I do not wonder that they travel at night," remarked Matsko, "for it is hot in the day-time; but why come to an jnn when there is a cloister near by?"

Here he turned to Zbyshko.

"A sister, a full sister of the wonderful Ryngalla. Dost understand?"

"But there must be many Mazovian damsels with her, hei!" said Zbyshko.