Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/464

26 were able, for he was very weak, and we feared that he would not reach Plotsk alive. But it was not easy to oppose him, so his playmen prepared his carriage, and went away with him, God grant successfully."

"If he had died anywhere near Sieradz you would have heard of it," said Matsko.

"We should, so I think that he did not die, or at least that he did not breathe his last this side of Lenchytsa; but what may have happened beyond I know not. If you follow him you will learn on the road."

Matsko was afflicted by the news and went to consult with Yagenka, who had heard already from Hlava of the abbot's departure.

"What will be done?" asked he, "and what wilt thou do with thyself?"

"You will go to Plotsk, and I with you," answered Yagenka, mildly.

"To Plotsk?" repeated Anulka with her thin voice.

"See how they arrange matters! They will go right away to Plotsk as straight as the cast of a sickle."

"But how could I go back alone with Anulka? Unless I go farther it would have been better not to leave home at all. Do you not think that there they will be more stubborn and angrier than ever?"

"Old and young Vilk will defend thee against Stan."

"I fear Vilk's defence quite as much as Stan's attack. I see that you are opposing just to oppose, not in earnest."

Of course Matsko did not oppose sincerely. On the contrary he preferred that Yagenka should go with him, so when he heard her words he laughed, and said,—

"She has put off her petticoats and wants to have wit."

"Wit is in the head only," said Yagenka.

"But Plotsk is out of my way."

Hlava says that it is not out of the way, that by the road through Plotsk it is shorter to Malborg.

"Then have ye been advising already with Hlava?"

"Of course; and he said besides, 'If the young lord has fallen into any misfortune in Malborg much can be done through Princess Alexandra of Plotsk, for she is a relative of the King, and she is besides a special friend of the Knights of the Cross and enjoys great consideration among them.'"

"True, as God is dear to meI" cried Matsko. "All know that, and if she would give a letter to the Grand Master we could travel most safely through all lands of the Order.