Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/666

 228 "I remember," said Zbyshko, "for Yagenka and I went for the bear. But did the dog brothers keep you underground here?'*

Matsko nodded his head, and answered,—

"To tell the truth, they were not glad to see me, and it was going ill with me. There is great hatred here against Vitold and the Jmud men, but still greater against those of our people who help them. It was useless for me to tell why we went to the Jmud land. They washed to cut my head off, and if they did not cut it off it is only because they did not wish to lose the ransom; for, as thou knowest, money has more charms for them than even vengeance, and besides they wish to have in hand a proof that King Yagello helps Pagans. That the Jmud people, the unfortunates, beg for baptism, if only it is not from German hands, is known to us who have been in their country; but the Knights pretend not to know this, and they calumniate those people at all courts, and with them our king, Yagello."

Here Matsko was seized by a panting fit, so he had to be silent for a time, and only after he had regained breath did he continue,—

"And I might have died underground, perhaps. It is true that Arnold von Baden took my part; he wished to save the ransom. But Arnold has no weight here, and they call him a bear. Luckily De Lorche heard of me from Arnold, and he made a tremendous uproar immediately. He may not have told thee of this, for he hides his own good deeds willingly. They hold him in consideration here, for a De Lorche held high office once in the Order, and this man is rich and of renowned family. He told them that he was our captive, and that if they took my life, or if I died through dampness and hunger, thou wouldst behead him. He threatened even to tell throughout the courts of western Europe how the Knights of the Cross treat belted knights. They were frightened, and removed me to a hospital where there is better food and the air is purer."

"I will not take one copper from De Lorche, so help me God."

"It is pleasant to take ransom from an enemy, but it is a proper thing to forgive a friend," added Matsko;"still, since there is, as I hear, an agreement with the king about exchange of prisoners, thou wilt not have to ransom me."

"Well, but our knightly word?" inquired Zbyshko.