Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/535

Rh his affection and gave a written command from the Master himself to deliver Danusia into my hands."

"People told us," replied Matsko, "that his saddle-girth burst, and seeing this thou didst refuse to strike him."

"I raised my lance point, and from that moment he loved me. Ei, dear God! but he gave me strong letters, with which I might go from castle to castle and search. I thought that the end of my torment and trouble had come but now I am helpless here, sitting in a wild region, suffering in loneliness; day after day I am sadder and more tormented."

Here he was silent for a while, then he hurled a piece of wood into the fire with all his might, so that sparks shot up, and a burning brand with them.

"Yes," said he, "if that poor girl is groaning here somewhere in a castle, and thinks that I have forgotten her, may sudden death not escape me!"

And so much was there burning in him of evident impatience and pain that again he threw wood into the fire, as if carried away by a blind sudden pang, and all were astonished greatly, for they had not supposed that he loved Danusia to that extent.

"Restrain thyself!" exclaimed Matsko. "How was it with that letter? Did the comturs wish to disobey the Grand Master?"

"Command yourself, lord," said Hlava. "God will comfort you—perhaps quickly."

Tears glittered in Zbyshko's eyes, but he composed himself somewhat.

"The traitors opened castles and prisons," said he. "I went to all places. I searched till the war broke out then,—in Gerdavy Von Heideck, the voyt told me that military law changed everything, that letters of safe-conduct given in peace time were meaningless. I challenged him right there, but he would not meet me, and gave command to put me out of the castle."

"And in others?" inquired Matsko.

"From all the same answer. In Krolevets the comtur, who is Von Heideck's chief, was unwilling even to read the Master's letter; he declared that war was war, and told me to be off while I had a sound head on my shoulders. I asked for information in other parts—the same story everywhere."

—7