Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/440

2 distinctly and March had passed in greater part before he found himself near Zgorzelitse and Bogdanets.

Hlava's heart throbbed when he thought that he would soon see his lady, for though he knew that he would never win her, just as he would never win stars from the sky, he extolled and loved her with all the soul that was in him.

But he determined to go directly to Matsko, first because he was sent to him, and second because he was taking men who were to remain at Bogdanets. After Zbyshko had slain Rotgier he took his retinue, composed, according to the regulations of the Order, of ten horses and as many men. Two had gone to Schytno with the fallen knight's body, but Zbyshko, knowing the eagerness of old Matsko in seeking for settlers, sent the rest with Hlava as a gift to his uncle.

The Cheh, on reaching Bogdanets, did not find Matsko. The old man had gone, as the servants informed him, with crossbow and dogs to the forest, but he returned during daylight, and, on learning that a considerable retinue had halted at his mansion, he hurried his steps so as to meet the newcomers, and offer entertainment; he was tremendously astonished at first, and, throwing his crossbow and cap on the ground, cried out,—

"As God lives! they have killed him! Tell what thou knowest!"

"He is not killed," answered Hlava; "he is well."

When Matsko heard this he was confused somewhat and fell to panting; at last he drew a deep breath.

"Praise to Christ the Lord!" said he. "Where is the man?"

"He went to Malborg and sent me hither with tidings."

"But why did he go to Malborg?"

"For his wife."

"Ah! fear the wounds of Christ, boy. What wife?"

"The daughter of Yurand. There will be something to talk about, even the whole night through, but permit me, respected lord, to draw breath, for I am dreadfully road-weary, and since midnight I have lashed my beast forward."

Matsko stopped inquiries for a while, though mainly because astonishment had taken speech from him. When he had recovered somewhat he shouted to the boy to throw wood on the fire and bring food, then he walked through the room, waved his hands, and talked in soliloquy,—

"I cannot believe my own ears—Yurand's daughter—Zbyshko married—"

"He is married and not married," said Hlava, who now