Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/496

58 Yagenka's face changed in one moment, her legs, enclosed in tight leggings, could be seen trembling under her.

"Was he here, and has he gone?" asked she with a throbbing heart. "Whither?"

"Two days ago, but whither perhaps the priest knows."

"We must see the priest!" said she with a voice of decision.

After a while Father Kaleb came in. Thinking that Matsko was calling for him to inquire about Yurand, he said, anticipating the question,—

"He is sleeping yet."

"I have heard that Zbyshko was here!" exclaimed Matsko.

"He was; he went away two days ago."

"Whither?"

"He did not know himself whither. He went to search, —to the boundary of Jmud, where there is war now."

"By the dear God, tell me, father, what you know of Zybshko."

"I know only what he told me. He was in Malborg and gained powerful protection there; that of the brother of the Grand Master, who is the first knight among them. At his command Zbyshko has permission to search all the castles."

"For Yurand and Danusia?"

"Yes, but he was not searching for Yurand, since they told him that Yurand was not living."

"Tell from the beginning."

"Immediately; but I will draw breath and come to myself, for I am returning from the other world."

"How from the other world?"

"From that world to which a man does not go on horseback, but on prayer, and from the feet of the Lord Jesus, from whom I have begged for mercy on Yurand."

"You have asked for a miracle? Have you such power?" asked Matsko with great curiosity.

"I have no power whatever, but the Saviour has. If he wishes, he will return to Yurand eye, tongue, and hand."

"He can if he wishes," answered Matsko. "Still you have asked for no small thing."

Father Kaleb made no reply, perhaps he had not heard, for his eyes did not yet indicate full presence of mind, and it was evident that he had forgotten himself altogether in