Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/667

 Rh 'The king's agreement is an agreement, still Arnold might accuse us of dishonor."

When he heard this Matsko was concerned; he thought a while and said,—

"But it might be possible to reduce the amount somewhat."

"We put our own estimate on ourselves. Are we of less value now?"

Matsko was concerned still more, but there was an expression of wonder in his eyes, and, as it were, of still greater love for Zbyshko.

"He will guard his honor; he was born with that power," muttered the old man.

And he sighed. Zbyshko thought that it was from regret for the money which they had to pay Arnold, so he said,—

"You know that we have wealth enough now, if only our fate were not so grievous."

"God will change it for thee," said the old knight, with emotion. "I have not long to live in this world as I now am."

"Do not say that! You will be well, only let the wind blow around you."

"The wind? The wind bends a young tree, but breaks an old one."

"Nonsense! the bones are not decaying in you yet, and it is a long way from you to old age. Be not sad!"

"Wert thou gladsome, I should laugh. But I have another cause for sadness, and to tell the truth, not only I, but all of us."

"What is it?"

"Dost remember how I reproached thee in Skirvoillo's camp because thou didst glorify the might of the Order? Our men are firm in the field, I know they are, but from near by, I see these dog brothers now for the first time."

Matsko lowered his voice, as if fearing lest some one might overhear him.

"And I see now that thou wert right; I was not. May the hand of God defend us; what power, what strength! The hands of our knights are itching, and they wish to strike the Germans at the earliest; but they do not know that all nations and kings are helping the Order, that Knights of the Cross have more money, that they are better trained, that their castles are stronger and their battle weapons better.