Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/729

 Rh would come such a tempest as has not been in the world. Fits of weakness fall frequently on Conrad. Once he fainted in my presence. Hei, perhaps we may live to it."

"God grant! But are there some new misunderstandings with the Kingdom?"

"There are both old and new. A Knight of the Cross is always a Knight of the Cross. Though he knows that thou art stronger, and that it is evil to quarrel with thee, he will lie in wait since he cannot do otherwise."

"But they think that the Order is mightier than all kingdoms."

"Not all of the Knights think so, but many do, and among others Ulrich; for really their power is tremendous."

"But you remember what Zyndram said—"

"I remember. And every year it is worse among them down there. A brother does not receive a brother, as even Germans in Prussia received me when no Knight of the Cross was looking on. All the people have enough of the Knights."

"Then there is not long to wait?"

"Not long, or even long," answered Matsko. And after stopping a while he added: "But meanwhile it is necessary to labor and increase property, so as to appear in the field worthily."