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44 see him, for he went to Dantzig a month ago, whence he intended to go to Krolevets, and farther toward the boundary; for though a lover of peace, he is forced to defend the inheritance of the Order against the treacherous attacks of Vitold."

When he heard this Matsko was vexed so evidently that Lichtenstein, before whose eyes no one could hide anything, remarked,—

"I see that your desire to know the Grand Master is equal to your wish to perform religious vows."

"Yes, yes, of course," answered Matsko, promptly. "Then is war with Vitold certain?"

"Vitold has begun it himself by giving aid to insurgents in spite of his oath."

A moment of silence followed.

"Well, God grant that success to the Order which it merits," said Matsko at last. "I cannot make the acquaintance of the Grand Master, but in every case I will accomplish my vows."

But despite these words he did not know what he was to do, and with a feeling of immense vexation he put to himself this question,—

"Where am I to seek Zbyshko now, and where shall I find him?"

It was easy to foresee that if the Master had left Malborg and gone to war there was no reason to look for Zbyshko in Malborg, but in every case it was necessary to obtain more accurate information regarding him. Old Matsko was greatly vexed, but as he was a man of ready resources, he resolved to lose no time, but to continue his journey without delay on the morrow. It was easy for him to get a letter from Lichtenstein with the aid of Princess Alexandra, in whom the comtur had boundless confidence. He received, therefore, a recommendation to the Starosta of Brodnitsa and to the Grand Hospitaller in Malborg, but in return for these letters he presented Lichtenstein with a large silver goblet engraved beautifully in Vrotslav, such a goblet as the Knights were accustomed to place, filled with wine, near their beds at night, so as to have at hand, in case of insomnia, a remedy bringing sleep and consolation. This liberality of Matsko astonished Hlava, who knew that the old man was not overinclined to loading any one with presents, above all a German; but Matsko said,—