 Book 2, Chapter 3 of With Fire and Sword, by Henrich Sinkiewicz, translated by Samuel A. Binyon. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Two riders rode slowly and quietly through the woody ravine which lay close by Rosloga. The night was very dark, for the moon had long since gone down, and heavy clouds covered the horizon. In the ravine one could scarcely see three steps beyond the horses, and consequently they frequently stumbled over snags and roots of trees which lay in their path. For some time they rode very cautiously, and, as they came to the end of the ravine and saw before them the open steps, which from the reflection of some lighter clouds was a little clearer than the wood, one of the horsemen whispered, SPURR! Like two arrows sent from a tartar bow their horses flew along and the tramp was the only sound heard. Beneath the tramp of the horses the dreary steps seemed to disappear behind them. Little oaks that stood here and there on the road, looking like ghosts, were passed with the swiftness of lightning, and they rode so long without rest and refreshment that the horse's ears finally drooped and they began to snort with exhaustion and began to flag. SPURR! It cannot be helped. We must ride more slowly, said the stouter horseman. Early dawn was just beginning to drive away darkness from the steps. By degrees larger expanses became light. With this along the steps gleamed in the pale light the distant woods and mounds became visible. The air grew gradually brighter and brighter. The white gleams presently lighted up the faces of the travellers. They were Zagloba and Helena. SPURR! It cannot be helped. We must ride more slowly, repeated Zagloba. Our horses galloped yesterday from Chigrin to Rosloga without breathing, and they cannot hold out much longer. I am afraid they may fall. How do you feel, young lady?" Zagloba looked at his companion and exclaimed without waiting for an answer. SPURR! Allow me, young lady, to look at you by daylight. Oh, are those your cousin's clothes? My God, Princess, you're a pretty cossack. As long as I have lived I have never had such a squire, but I think Skishtosky will soon take you away from me. But what does this mean? For God's sake, tuck that hair away or else no one will mistake your sex. Indeed a shower of raven hair had fallen over Helena's shoulders. The hasty ride and the damp night air having loosened it. "'Wither, are we riding?' she asked as she twisted her hair with both hands and endeavored to tuck it up under her little cap. "'Wither, our eyes lead. Not to live me?' Helena's features expressed uneasiness, and beneath Zagloba's keen glances newly awakened distrust was visible in her countenance. "'Look here, Princess, I exercise my own good judgment, and you may believe that I have calculated everything beforehand, and my calculations are based upon the following wise maxim. Do not fly in the direction in which you are likely to be pursued. If anyone pursues us now, they will follow us in the direction of Lubny, for I have made no secret of it when I inquired the way and took leave of Bohun that we were going to fly to Lubny. Ergo, we will fly to Tchakas. If they finally do follow us, it will not be soon, not until they have convinced themselves that we are not on the road to Lubny, and that will take away two days of their time. Meanwhile, we shall be in Tchakas where the Polish regiments, squadrons of Pugnitsky and Rudomin are now stationed, and in Gorsun are the entire forces of the Hetman. Now do you understand, Princess? "'I understand, and will thank you as long as I live. I do not know who you are, nor how you came to Rosloga, but I believe that God has sent you to save and protect me, for I would sooner have put a dagger to my breast than have fallen into the hands of that murderer. He is a dragon who wants to prey upon your innocence. What had I done to him, unfortunate me, that he should have pursued me? I have known him since childhood, and from childhood he has always awakened fear in me. Am I then the only one in the world that he should love me? That he should have shed so much blood on my account that he should have murdered my cousins? God, when I think of it, my blood congeals. What shall I do? Where shall I seek refuge from him? Do not be surprised at my complaints, for I am unhappy. I am ashamed to have inspired such love, and would rather die a thousand times than return it." Helena's cheeks were flaming, tears of anger, pain, and contempt coursed down her cheeks. "'I will not deny,' said Zagloba, that a great misfortune has happened to your house. But let me tell you, Princess, that your relations were chiefly to blame for their misfortunes. They should not have promised your hand to the Cossack and then betrayed him, for when he heard of it he flew into such a rage that I could not reason with him. I am sorry for your murdered cousins, especially the youngest. He was yet almost a child, but one could see that he would develop into a brave knight.' Helena began to cry. "'Tears do not suit the garments you are wearing, Princess, and let us say that it was the will of God. God will surely punish the murderer, who indeed is already punished, for he shed blood in vain and lost you, Princess, the chief and only object of his passion.' Zagloba was silent, but after a while he continued, "'Ah, but he would like to tear me to pieces. Great God! If he could only get me into his hands he would make lizard leather out of my skin. You do not know, Princess, that I received a pale in galatz from the Turks, but I had enough of it, and I do not care for another. Therefore I will not go to Lubni but to Cherkass. It would be well to get under the protection of the prince, but if they should catch up with us. As I was unhitching the horses from the post, I heard Bohon's servants wake up. If they had given the alarm they would have immediately set out after us and have overtaken us in an hour, for they have the princesses' horses which are perfectly fresh and I had no time to waste. This Bohon is a wild beast, I tell you. I am so sick of him that I would rather meet the devil than him. God deliver us from his hands. He has brought down ruin on his own head, for he left Shigrin contrary to the Hetman's orders. He has opposed himself to the voyavoda of Russia, and there is nothing left for him to do but to fly to Mielnitsky. But his pride will be laid low when Mielnitsky is beaten, and that may already have happened. Xinjiang met the forces beyond Kremlinchuk that were marching against Mielnitsky under the command of Berabash and Chachovsky, and beside this Stephen Pototsky has advanced across the steppes with his hossars, but Xinjiang passed ten days in Kremlinchuk in order to repair the boats, so before he reaches Shigrin the battle may have been decided. We were expecting news every moment, so Xinjiang brought letters from Kudak, as Talena, yes, letters from Panskoshetosky to the princess and to yourself, but Bohon took them away from him, found out all that was in them, and on the spot split Xinjiang's head open, and then started out to wreak vengeance on the Kirtiviches. Oh, unhappy boy, he has shed his blood on my account. Do not grieve, princess, he will live. When did it happen? Yesterday morning. Killing a man is no more to Bohon than it would be to another to drink a goblet of wine, and he bellowed so after he read the letters that the whole of Shigrin trembled. The conversation was interrupted for a time. It was already daylight. The rosy dawn streaked with bright gold, purple, and opal glowed in the eastern horizon. The air was clear and fresh. The rested horses began to winny joyously. Well, let us ride on, with God on our side. The mayors have rested, we have no time to lose," said Zagloba. They rode off at a gallop for half a mile without stopping. Suddenly they perceived a dark object approaching them with amazing rapidity. What can not be, said Zagloba slowly, it is a man on horseback. In truth a horseman was coming towards them at full speed, bent over in the saddle, his face buried in the horse's mane, and whipping his horse, whose hoofs seemed scarcely to touch the ground. Who the devil can not be, said old Zagloba, and why is he tearing along so fast, how he flies, taking his pistols from his holster in order to be ready for an emergency. Meanwhile the rider had already advanced thirty paces. Halt! thundered Zagloba, covering him with his pistol. Who are you? The rider suddenly reigned in, his horse sat up in his saddle, but hardly looked up as he exclaimed, Panzagloba! Plesniewski, the servant of the starosta of Chigrin. What are you doing? Where are you hasting? O gracious sir, turn round with me! O misfortune! Gods! Wrath! Gods! Judgment! What has happened? Speak! One is taken by the Zaporosians, the peasants are killing the nobles! Gods! Judgment! In the name of the father and the son, what do you say? Mielnitski? Purtatski is beaten! Pancarnitski a prisoner! The Tatars are making common cause with the Cossack to Hebei! And Barabash and Chachovsky? Barabash is dead, and Chachovsky has joined Mielnitski! Chevonos set out last night against the Hetmans, Mielnitski started this morning at daybreak, an immense army, the whole country in flames, the peasants rising in every direction, blood flows, fly, sir! Zagloba opened his eye to its fullest extent, opened his mouth, but could speak no word for astonishment. Fly, sir! repeated Plesnitski. Jesus Maria! cried Zagloba. Jesus Maria! repeated Helena bursting into tears. Fly or it will be too late! Wither! Wither! Are you hastening there? Yes, sir, to the Prince Vujavuta. The devil take you, cries Zagloba, and where are the Hetmans? At Corsun, but Chevonos is already fighting with them. Chevonos or Prostonos, crooked nose or straight nose, the plague take him. Why should we also go there? You're running into the lion's mouth to your own destruction. And who sent you to Lubny, your master? My master fortunately made his escape, and my godfather, who is with the Zaporosians, saved my life and helped me to escape. I am going to Lubny on my own account, for I do not know where I can take refuge. Avoid Rosluga, for Bohon is there. He will also join the rebels. For God's sake, help! In Jigrin it is said that the peasants in the Nipur country may rise at any moment. That may be, so see to it that you get on your way wherever you want to go. It is enough for me to think about my own skin. Yes, I will do so, said Plesnevsky, as he put spurs to his horse and rode away. But avoid Rosluga, Zagloba called after him, and if you should come across Bohon, do not tell him that you have seen me, do you hear? I hear, answered Plesnevsky, God be with you! And he galloped away as if he were being pursued. Well, devil, thou hast an overcoat, said Zagloba. I have already pulled myself out of many dangers, but I have never been in such straits as this, before Osmelnitsky, behind us Bohon, and this being the case I would not give a broken copper for my front or my back or my whole skin. I made a mistake in not flying with you to Lubny, but we cannot think about that now. Fie, fie! I have not enough brains left to oil my boots with. What shall we do? Where shall we go? In the whole of the Commonwealth there is no longer a single corner where one can be safe from death. Thank you for such presence. Let others take them. Where thee, sir, said Helena, I know that my two cousins, Jor and Fedor, are in Zolotonosha. Perhaps they can help us. In Zolotonosha? Patience, Princess, when I was in Chigrin I made the acquaintance of Pan-Tunyazitsky, who has property near Zolotonosha, called Krupevina and Chernoboy. But that is a long way from here, farther than Cherkass. What shall we do? If we can go nowhere else we will go there, but we must get off the highway. Across the steps through the forest it will be less dangerous. If we could hide a week anywhere, even in the woods, perhaps by that time the Hetmans will have finished up Melnitsky and it will be more quiet in the Ukraine. God has not delivered us from Bohun's hands in order to destroy us. Have faith, sir. Patience, young lady, I am regaining courage. I have been in various dangers. At an appropriate time I will relate to you, Princess, what happened to me in Galat's, and you will at once see that things looked very bad for me then, and yet, through my own wit, I escaped safe and sound, although my beard, as you see, has grown gray in consequence. But we must get off the highway. Turn out, Princess, that's it. You manage your horse like the cleverest Cossack, the grass is tall. No eye can see us. As they got farther into the steps the grass became higher so that they were finally completely buried, and the horses had great difficulty in moving forward in this tangle of grasses, which sometimes were so sharp that they cut the skin. They were soon so weary that they refused to move. If we want these mares to carry us any farther, said Zagloba, we must dismount and take off their bridles. They will have to rest and feed a little, or we can make no progress. I notice that we shall soon reach the Khamlik. I wish we were there already, but nothing is better than this high grass, for, once you are hidden there, the devil himself could not find you. Pray, God, if only we do not lose our way. Then he dismounted and lifted Helena off her horse. Then he took off the saddle-bags and produced some provisions which he had, with forethought, provided himself with before he left Rosloga. We must also refresh ourselves, he said, for the way is long. Make a vow to Saint Raphael that we will make the journey safely. There is an old fortress in Zolotunosha. Perhaps it is garrisoned. Plesniewski has said that the peasants were rising beyond the neeper. Hmm, that may well be. The people here are inclined to rebellion, but beyond the neeper the hand of the voyavoda exercises authority, and it is a devilish-heavy hand. Bohun has a sound neck, but if this hand should fall upon it, it will bend him to the earth, which God grant, amen. Eat something, princess! The globa drew from his boot a case, which he handed to Helena. Then he spread before her on a saddle-cloth some cold roast beef and bread. Eat something! He said, when the stomach is empty, peas and cabbage are in the head, and if you want to keep your head clear, eat peas and cabbage, and our head went wrong, for we would have done better to have fled to Lubny, but that cannot now be helped. The prince is certainly marching with his army to the neeper to aid the hetmans. We have lived to terrible times, for a civil war is of all evils the worst. There is no corner for quiet people. It would have been better for me had I become a priest, for which office I had a vocation, for I am a peaceful, reticent man, but fate ordered it otherwise. My God! Today I should have been cannon of Krakow and would be chanting the hours, for I have a beautiful voice. Yes, indeed, in my youth I loved the girls. Princess, you would not believe what a beautiful boy I was. When I looked at a girl, you would think she had been struck by lightning. If I were twenty years younger, Pan Skosjetowski would have to look out for his laurels. You are a charming little Cossack. I am not surprised that the young men are in love with you, and fall together by the ears. Skosjetowski is not a bad fighter. I was present when Chaplinsky got into a quarrel with him, and he, it is true he had a little wine in his head, but he sprang up, took him by the head, and with your leave by the seat and banged him against the door. I tell you, Princess, that all his bones must have been out of joint. Old Colonel Zatzvilikovsky has told me about your fiancee, that he is a great knight, the favorite of the voyavoda, and I myself recognize that he was a soldier of great valor and of experience beyond his years. It is growing warm. Your society, Princess, is very pleasant to me, but I would forgive. I don't know what, if we were already in Zolotonosha. I see we shall have to sit all day in the grass and travel at night, but I do not know how you will be able to stand such fatigue. I am healthy. I can stand all the fatigue. I could ride now if it were necessary. You have the courage of a man. The horses have recovered. I will put on their bridles that they may be prepared for any emergency. I shall not feel safe until I see the reeds and rushes of the Kahamlik. If we had not left the highway, we would have been nearer to Chigrin along the bank of the river, but this way will be a mile further, at least so I estimate it. We shall soon be on the other side of the river. I must tell you, Princess, that I am desperately sleepy. The night before last we coroused in Chigrin, yesterday the devil permitted me to ride with the Cossacks to Rosloga, and this night he carried me again from Rosloga. I am so sleepy that I have even lost the desire to converse, and although I am not accustomed to be silent, for the philosophers say the cat must be ready to hunt its prey, a man must be intelligent enough to talk, yet I feel that my tongue is weak. I ask your pardon, Princess, if I nod a little. You need not make any apology, answered Helena. Zagloba had needlessly apologized for his disinclination to talk, for since daybreak he had never ceased chattering, but now he was really very sleepy. So as soon as they were mounted he began to nod and his head bobbed forward and then backward until he was finally fast asleep. Fatigue, and the rustling of the grass caused by the horses going through it, had lulled him to sleep. Helena, on the contrary, was wrapped in the thoughts which darted back and forth through her brain like birds. Events had followed one another so quickly that the girl could hardly recollect all that had happened to her. The attack on Rosloga, the frightful scene of murder, the unexpected assistance and flight, all this had occurred like a storm in one night, and besides this many things had happened which she could not understand. Who was this man who had rescued her? He had indeed told her his name, but this name gave her no clue to the motive of his act. How had he come to Rosloga? He had said that he came with Bohun, evidently then he was his acquaintance and friend. If this were so, why should he save her and place himself in the greatest peril, and at the mercy of the terrible vengeance of the Cossacks? In order to understand this it was necessary to know Pensagloba thoroughly, with his restless spirit and his good heart. Helena, however, had only known him for six hours, and this unknown man, with the face of a vagabond and a drunkard, was her rescuer. Had she met him three days earlier he would have inspired her only with aversion and mistrust, and now she looked on him as her good angel and was fleeing with him wither, to Zalotanosha or elsewhere she herself knew not yet. What a turn of fate! Only yesterday she lay down to sleep beneath the quiet roof of her home. Today she is on the steps, on horseback, in man's clothing, without a roof, without shelter. Behind her the terrible Cossack who threatened her honor and her love, before her the burning torch of the peasant rebellion, the civil war with all its evils, terrors, and horrors. And had she placed her entire confidence in this man, no, but on another who is more mighty, who is mightier than violence, mightier than war, murder, or fire. The girl raised her eyes to heaven. Save me, thou great merciful God! Save the orphan! Save the unhappy one! Save the wanderer! Thy will be done, but grant me thy favor! Had she not already experienced this favor? Had she not been snatched from the most dreadful of men, lived by a divine incomprehensible miracle? The danger was not yet over, but perhaps rescue was at hand, for who knew where he might be whom her heart had chosen? He must have already returned from Siege. Perhaps he was in these very steps. He would seek her and find her, and then joy would take the place of tears. Sorrow, terror, and danger would be over for ever. Peace and comfort would take their place. The brave, simple heart of this girl was filled with trust in God, and the grass in the steps around her rustled sweetly, the breeze that moved the grasses brought her happy thoughts at the same time. She was not so utterly orphaned in this world, for beside her rode one strange unknown defender, and the other, known and beloved, would care for her, would never leave her, would cling to her for ever, and he was a man of iron, stronger and more powerful than those who at this moment she saw in her mind. The steps murmured sweetly, the flowers gave forth a powerful and intoxicating fragrance, the red heads of the thistles, the white pearl-like buds of the erango, and the clusters of mugwort bent towards her, as though they recognized in this little cossack with the long braids, the milk-white face, and the red lips a fair sister. They bent towards her as though they would say, Do not weep, little rosy cheeks, we are also in God's care. And thus there came to her from the steps ever deeper comfort. The pictures of murder and horrors were completely obliterated from her mind, and a sweet languor came over her. Her eyelids grew heavy, the horses moved slowly, the motion rocked her back and forth, she fell asleep. CHAPTER III. Book II. CHAPTER IV. OF WITH FIRE AND SWORD. BY HENRIK SINKEVICH. TRANSLATED BY SAMUEL A. BINION. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Helena was awakened by the barking of dogs. She opened her eyes and saw, in the distance, a large, shady oak, a fence and a well before her. She awoke her companion. WAKE UP WHERE THEY SIR. Zagloba opened his eyes. What is it? Where are we? Do not know. Wait a minute, lady, this is a Cossack winter quarter. So it seems to me. Here are no doubt Chabans, herders. Not exactly agreeable society. Why do these dogs yelp as if they were bitten by wolves? I can see men and horses behind the fence, but there is nothing for it but to turn in so that they may not follow us as we ride by. You two must have slept? Yes. One, two, three, four, saddled horses, four men are behind the fence. So that is no women's force? Yes, yes, they are herders. They are talking at a great rate. Hey there, men, come here. The four Cossacks came at once. They were herders of horses, or trainers, who in summer watched the herds on the steps. Zagloba remarked at once that only one of them had a sword and carried a gun. The others were armed with horses' jawbones which were fastened to sticks, but he knew that these horse herders were wild men and dangerous to travelers. They all four looked inquiringly at the newcomers. There was not the slightest trace of friendliness on their copper-colored faces. What do you want? they asked without taking off their caps. God be praised, said Zagloba, for ever and ever what do you want? Is it far to Serovata? We know no Serovata, and what do you call this winter quarter? Hushla, give the horses some water. The water is dried up. Where do you come from? From Criva Ruda. And where are you going? To Chigrin. The herders looked at one another. One of them, black as a beetle with a squint, began to look closely at Zagloba and said at last, and why did you not remain on the highway? Because it is too hot. The man with a squint laid his hand on Zagloba's bridle. You had better make haste and dismount, sir. You do not need to ride to Chigrin. And why? asked Zagloba quietly. You see this Cossack, said the man with a squint, pointing to one of the herders. Well, I see him. He has come from Chigrin. They are killing the Poles over there. And do you know Blockhead, who is marching behind us towards Chigrin? Now, who? Prince Yerimi. The bold faces of the herders became humble in an instant, as if at the word of command they uncovered their heads. And do you know, fellow, continued Zagloba, what the Poles do to those who slaughter them? They hang them. And do you know that he has barely half a mile away from here? What, you dog-souls, you bagpipe? How have you received us? The well is dry. You have no water for the horses. I will show you you sloths, you horsebrood. Do not be angry, sir. The well is dry. We have to take our own horses to the Kahamlik to water them and to fetch water for our own use. Are you thieves? Pardon, sir. The well is dry. If you command, we will go for water. I can get it without you. I will ride over myself with my servant. Here is the Kahamlik, he asked angrily. Over there, two furlongs away, said the man with the squint, pointing with his finger towards the belt of rushes. And must I come back here to get to the highway, or can I get to it by following the river? Yes, sir, by the river bank. A mile from here, the river turns toward the highway. Boy, ride forward, said Zagloba, turning to Helena. The pretended servant turned his horse on the spot and rode off. Listen, said Zagloba to the peasants, if the advance guards come, say I have followed the river to get to the highway. Good, sir. A quarter of an hour later Zagloba was riding beside Helena. I thought of the voya voda at the right moment, he said, blinking his injured eye. Now they will sit there the whole day waiting for the vanguard. Terror sees them at the very name of the prince. I see that you have such a happy wit that you can save yourself from every danger, said Helena, and I thank God that he has sent me such a defender. These words touched the nobleman's heart. He smiled, stroked his beard, and said, Ah, isn't Zagloba's head on his neck crafty as Ulysses? And I must tell you one thing, princess, that if I were not crafty, the crows would have eaten me up long ago. But what's to be done? One must save oneself. They believed readily that the prince was approaching for it is probable that he will appear in this region either today or tomorrow like the archangel with a fiery sword. And if he should on the way trample Bohon in the dust, I vow I will make a pilgrimage barefoot to Chinstahova. And if the herders had not believed it, the very remembrance of the prince's power would have been enough to prevent them from attacking us. But I must tell you, princess, that their boldness is not a good sign for us, for it signifies that the peasants have already got tidings of Mielnitsky's victories and are becoming more bold. We must now travel along the desert places and avoid the villages, for they are dangerous. God grant that the prince may come as soon as possible, for as I live, we've got into such a trap that I was never in a more dangerous one. Fear once more took possession of Helena, and as she wanted to get some assurance from Zagloba, she said, but I am quite confident that you will be able to save yourself and me. Of course, answered the cunning old man. The head exists to think about the skin and I've grown so fond of you, princess, that I will take care of you as though you were my own daughter. The worst of it is that we do not know whether we shall fly, for this Zolotonosha is none too safe an asylum. I know that my cousins are in Zolotonosha. They may be there or they may not. They may have gone away and would certainly not return to Rosloga by the road we are travelling. I have more confidence in the garrison there, though only half a squadron or half a company were in the castle. But there is the Khamlik. Now at least we have the rushes and we will cross over to the other side instead of going along the bank to reach the highway. We will ride up the stream in order to efface our tracks. We go towards Rosloga in this way, but not far. We are approaching Bravaki, said Helena, through which one passes on the way to Zolotonosha. So much the better, reign in your horse, princess. They watered the horses, then Zagloba found Helena a good hiding place in the rushes and went to look for a ford. He soon found one some paces from where they halted. It was here that those herders had driven their horses across the river, which was shallow enough, though the banks were a little difficult as they were marshy and overgrown with brush. They crossed the river and rode hastily up the stream without resting until night. The road was heavy, for many small streams flowed into the Khamlik, and at their confluence inlets and marshes were formed. They were obliged to look for fords or to make their way through brush, which was difficult for riders. The horses were dreadfully tired and could hardly drag their feet after them. From time to time they seemed to collapse so that Zagloba feared that they would never get any further. At length they arrived at the high, dry bank covered with oaks, but the dark night had already come upon them. It was impossible to continue their journey, for they might have ridden into dangerous swamps and lost their lives. Zagloba determined therefore to wait until morning. He took off the horse's bridles, tied them together, and let them roam in the meadow. Then he began to gather leaves and made a couch, which he covered with the horse's blankets and a felt cloak, and said to Helena, "'Lie down, princess, and sleep, for we have nothing better to do. The dew will sprinkle your little eyes, but that does not matter. I will lay my head on the saddlebags, for I am so tired I can hardly feel my bones. We will not light a fire, for the light might attract the herders. The night is short, and at daybreak we will ride on. Sleep quietly, lady. We have doubled on our tracks like hares, without putting much distance behind us, but we have blotted out our tracks so that, even with the help of the devil, no one could find us. Good night, young lady." Good night! The slender little Cossack knelt down and prayed long, with eyes raised towards the stars. Zagloba took his saddlebags on his shoulders and carried them to a little distance, where he had selected a place to sleep. The bank was well chosen for a night's rest, for it was high and dry, and free from mosquitoes. The thick foliage of the oaks provided a good shelter against the rain. It was long before Helena could sleep. The events of the past night were still vivid in her recollection. From out the darkness appeared the faces of her murdered relations, her aunt, and her cousins. It seemed to her as if she were shut up in the room with their corpses, and as if Bohan were about to step into the room. She saw his pale face, his dark eyebrows drawn together from pain, and his eyes fixed upon her. An unspeakable terror seized her, and there, suddenly in the darkness that surrounded her, she saw, in reality, two gleaming eyes. The moon peeped from out the clouds, and dimly lighted up the oak trees, and gave fantastic shapes to the branches and boughs. In the grass the railbirds called, and grouse piped in the steps. From time to time various strange cries of birds and night animals were heard. The horses snorted as they grazed and sprang with their hobbles, moving further away from the sleepers. But all these sounds quieted Helena, for they dissipated the fantastic faces and brought her back to reality. They said to her that that hall which continually haunted her vision, and those corpses of her relations, and that Bohan, pale with vengeance in his eyes, were only a deception of her senses, a creation of terror, nothing more. A few days ago the prospect of such a night under the open sky and the wilderness would have frightened her to death. Today she brought to mind that she was really on the banks of the Khamlik, far from her maiden bower, far from the home of her childhood, in order to quiet herself. So the voices of railbirds and grouse lulled her to sleep. The stars twinkled through the leaves when a breeze shook the branches. The beetles hummed amid the grass, and she finally fell asleep. But night in the desert has also its surprises. Day was already beginning to break when, from the distance, horrible voices reached her ear. A panting, howling, snorting, then a screech so horrible and painful that her blood ran cold. She sprang to her feet, covered with cold perspiration, terrified, and not knowing what she could do. All at once Zagloba appeared before her without his cap, pistols in his hands, and going in the direction whence the cries came. After a short pause his voice rang out. "'Uha! Uha! Sirumaka!' A shot was fired, and all was still. It seemed to Helena as if it were an eternity, but presently she heard Zagloba's voice again on the bank below. "'May the dogs devour you! May you be flayed! May the Jews take you by the neck!' Zagloba's voice sounded with absolute despair. "'What has happened, sir?' asked the girl. "'The wolves have devoured the horses. "'Jesus, Maria, both of them?' "'One is dead, the other wounded, so that he can hardly walk. They did not move three hundred paces away during the night, and now it is all over with them. "'What shall we do now?' "'What shall we do? We will cut some sticks and sit upon them. How can I tell you what we will do? Here is a genuine despair. I tell you, young lady, that the devil is surely after us, and that is no great wonder, for he must be Bohun's friend or relation. "'What shall we do? If I know may I turn into a horse so that you at least may have something to ride upon? I am a knave if I was ever in such a dilemma. "'Let us walk. "'It is well for you at twenty years of age, but with my circumference, how can I travel peasant fashion? But I am talking foolishly, for any peasant here has his nag and it is only dogs that walk. As God is dear to me, I am in despair. Of course we will not stay here. We will go on, but I don't know when we shall reach Zolotonosha. If it is not a pleasure to run away on horseback, it is still more disagreeable to go on foot. It is the worst thing that could have happened to us. We must leave the straps and saddlebags here and carry what we need for our mouth on my own back. I will not allow you to carry it alone. If it is necessary, I also will help." Zagloba gave in as he saw the girl was determined. "'What, my dear young lady?' he said, "'I should be a Turk or a Pagan if I permitted that. Those white little hands are not for carrying burdens, nor those arrow-like small shoulders. With God's assistance I will manage it all alone, only I must rest a little more frequently, owing to abstiniousness in eating and drinking I have short breath. We will take the saddle-clods with us to sleep on and some provisions, but there will not be much left when I think that we must strengthen ourselves.'" They at once sat down to refresh themselves and Zagloba forgot his much-boasted abstiniousness and drew a deep breath. Towards noon they reached a ford, across which men and wagons had evidently passed from time to time, for on both banks were tracks of wheels and horses-hoofs. "'Perhaps that's the road to Zalotunosha,' said Helena. "'Brah! There's none here whom one can ask.'" Zagloba had hardly spoken when the sound of human voices was heard in the distance. "'Wait, young lady, let us hide,' whispered Zagloba. The voices approached. "'Do you see anything?' asked Helena. "'Yes, I see. "'Who's approaching? "'A blind old beggar with a loot! "'A little boy is leading him. "'Now they are taking off their boots. "'They are crossing the river and coming towards us.'" The splashing of the water soon announced that they were crossing the river. Zagloba and Helena came out of their hiding-places. "'Praised be God,' exclaimed the nobleman. "'Forever and ever,' answered the old man. "'Who is there? "'Christians fear nothing, old man, a good friend. "'May St. Nicholas give you health and happiness. "'And where do you come from, poor old man? "'From Bravaki. "'And where does this road lead?' "'To farmhouses, sir, and to village. "'Can one get to Zalotunosha by this road?' "'Yes, sir. "'Is it long since you left Bravaki? "'Early yesterday morning. "'Were you in Rosloka?' "'Yes, sir. "'They say that knights had come there "'and that there had been a fight. "'Who said that? "'They told it in Bravaki. "'One of the prince's servants came there "'and what he told was terrible. "'Did you not see him? "'I, sir, saw no one. "'I am blind. "'And the boy there, he sees, but he is dumb. "'I am the only one that can understand him. "'Is it far from here to Rosloka, "'for we want to go there? "'Oh, yes, sir, it is a long way. "'For you say you were in Rosloka? "'We were, sir. "'Indeed,' said Zegloba, "'and suddenly, seizing the boy by the neck, "'Ah, you vagabond thief scamp, "'you are going about as spies "'to incite the peasants to rebellion. "'Ey, Feodor, Alex Maxim, take them away. "'Take off their clothes and hang them or drown them, "'but then they are rebels, spies, strike, kill.' "'He began to shake the boy "'and increased his loud shouting. "'The old beggar threw himself on his knees "'and begged for mercy. "'The boy uttered frightful sounds, "'such as are peculiar to dumb people, "'and Helena looked in astonishment at the attack. "'What are you doing?' she asked, "'hardly trusting her own eyes. "'But Zegloba screamed, swore, "'called upon the powers of hell, "'called down all ill luck, calamities, "'and all diseases of earth, "'and threatened with all kinds of torments and death. "'The young princess thought he had lost his mind. "'Go away!' he cried to her. "'It is not fit for you to see what is going on here. "'Go away, I say!' "'Suddenly he turned to the old beggar. "'Take off your coat, old sheep, "'or else I will cut you to pieces.' "'Then he threw the boy on the ground "'and began with his own hands to tear the clothes off him. "'The old man, in terror, threw his loot, "'his coat, and his waistcoat on the ground. "'Take off everything! "'May the plague!' screamed Zegloba. "'The old man began to take off his shirt. "'When the young princess saw what was coming, "'she hastily moved away, "'that her modesty might not be offended by the sight, "'and in her flight she still heard Zegloba's curses. "'When she had gone quite a distance, she stopped, "'for she did not know what to begin. "'The trunk of an uprooted tree lay on the ground, "'so she sat down on this and waited. "'The cries of the dumb boy, the size of the old man, "'and the wild noise made by Zegloba came to her ears. "'Presently all was still. "'Only the twittering of the birds "'and the rustling of the leaves broke the silence. "'Shortly after, she heard a loud chuckling "'and a man's heavy step. "'It was Zegloba. "'On his arm he carried the clothes "'that he had taken from the old man and the boy, "'and in his hand two pair of boots and the loot. "'As he approached, he began to blink his sound eye, "'to smile and to breathe heavily. "'He was evidently in excellent humor. "'No lawyer in court ever screamed as I have done, "'he said, and I am quite hoarse from it, "'but I have got what I wanted. "'I have sent them off as naked "'as when their mother brought them into the world. "'If the sultan does not make me a pasha "'or hospedar of Valakia, "'he will be very ungrateful, "'for I have increased by two "'the number of Turkish saints. "'Oh, the rascals, they prayed me "'to leave them at least their shirt, "'but I told them that I should be thankful "'that I left them with their life. "'See, lady, everything new, "'the waistcoat, the boots, the shirts, "'how can order be maintained "'in the commonwealth when peasants dressed themselves "'so luxuriously? "'But they had been at a festival in Brovaki, "'had begged enough alms to buy everything new at the fair. "'Many a nobleman in this country "'cannot get so much from his land "'as a beggar like that can. "'Hence I will give up the trade of night "'and will plunder the beggars on the highways, "'for I see that in that fashion "'one can more easily obtain wealth. "'But what was your object in doing this?' asked Talayna. "'What was my object? "'Do you not understand, Panna? "'Only wait a little. "'The object will soon become evident to you.' "'Then he took half of the stolen clothing "'and retired into the bushes on the shore. "'After a few minutes the sounds of a loot were heard, "'and then he appeared, no longer Zagloba, "'but a veritable old beggar of the Ukraine "'with a patch on one eye and a gray beard. "'The old beggar stepped nearer to Talayna "'and sang in a horse-voice, "'Thou joyous falcon, my true brother, "'how high thou sorest, how far dost thou fly?' "'The Princess clapped her hands "'and for the first time since she left Rosloga, "'a smile lighted up her lovely face. "'If I had not known it was you, "'I could hardly have believed it. "'How is that?' said Zagloba. "'You have certainly never seen a better mask "'on Shrove Tuesday. "'I looked at myself in the khamlik, "'and if I ever saw a handsomer singer, "'you may hang me up by my own bag. "'I have no lack of songs either. "'What would you rather hear, lady? "'May be Marusia Bohuslava, "'or the Ponderovna, or about Ser Piahova's death. "'Oh, I can sing those two. "'I am a rogue if I cannot earn my bread, "'even among the greatest vagabonds. "'Now I understand why you took away those poor fellow's clothes, "'so that we may continue on our journey in this disguise.' "'Of course,' said Zagloba, "'what did you suppose? "'Here, on the other side of the Nipur, "'the people are worse than anywhere else, "'and only the hand of the Prince "'keeps them from committing crimes. "'And now, if they hear of the war "'with the Zaporosians and of Mielnitsky's victories, "'no power can check the rebellion. "'You saw those herders who wanted to flay us alive. "'If the Hetmans do not speedily conquer Bogdan Mielnitsky, "'then in one day or two days "'the whole country will be on fire. "'And how can I bring you through "'the crowds of peasant rebels? "'If we should fall into their hands, "'it would have been better for you "'to have remained in Bohans.' "'No, that could not be. "'I would rather die,' interrupted the Princess. "'But I prefer life, for death is an entity "'from which even the greatest intelligence "'cannot raise you. "'But I think this way. "'God sent us those beggars, "'and I frightened them terribly, "'just as I did the herders, "'by telling them that the Prince "'was close by with his whole army. "'They will sit three long days "'naked in the rushes for terror, "'and we will meanwhile be clothed "'and make our way to Zolotonosha. "'If we find your cousins and assistants there, "'it is well. "'If not, we will go on till we reach the Hetmans, "'or we will wait for the Prince "'and that in perfect safety, "'for there is no danger to beggars "'either from the peasants or from the Cossacks. "'We can carry our heads in safety "'through Melnitsky's camp, "'but we must avoid the tartars, "'for, believing you to be a young boy, "'they would take you prisoner.' "'Then I must disguise myself?' "'Certainly. "'Throw off your Cossack disguise "'and get into this peasant boy's clothes. "'You're a little too pretty for a peasant boy, "'and so am I for an old beggar, "'but that does not matter. "'The wind will brown your cheeks "'and my stomach will grow thinner from walking. "'I shall sweat away all my fat. "'When the Velokians burned out my eye, "'I thought that was a frightful adventure, "'and now I see that it was a very good thing, "'for a beggar who is not blind would excite suspicion. "'You, lady, will lead me by the hand, "'call me Ornufy, that is my beggar name. "'But now dress yourself quickly, "'for we must go on our way as quickly as possible "'or it will be a long journey on foot.'" Zagloba moved away, and Helena quickly changed herself into a beggar boy. After she had looked at herself in the river, she threw away the Cossack garments, put on the peasant's waistcoat, placed a straw hat on her head, and slung a knapsack across her shoulder. Fortunately, the boy that Zagloba had robbed was slender, so his clothes suited her very well. Zagloba came back, looked at her carefully, and said, "'Good God, many a knight would be proud "'to have such a nice boy for an attendant, "'and I know one Hussar who certainly would, "'but we must do something with this hair. "'I have seen many beautiful boys in Stambul, "'but never such a one as this. "'Pray God that my beauty may not bring me any harm,' said Helena, but she smiled as she said it, for Zagloba's admiration flattered her woman's vanity. "'Beauty never brings harm. "'I am the best proof of that, "'for when the Turks burned out my one eye in Galat's "'and wanted to burn out the other, "'the wife of the then Pasha saved me on account "'of my extraordinary beauty, "'the remains of which you can yet see, Princess.' "'But you said that the Velokians burned your eye out?' "'Yes, Velokians, but naturalized Turks, "'and in service under the Pasha in Galat's.' "'But they did not even burn out one of them. "'But it was the heat of the iron "'that brought on a cataract. "'It is just the same thing. "'What are you going to do with your braids, Princess?' "'Well, I must cut them off.' "'Yes, we must do that, but with what?' "'With your sword. "'One can cut off a head very well with that, but hair? "'I do not exactly know how.' "'Oh, I tell you what I will do, sir. "'I will sit down beside this stump "'and place my hair over it, "'and you can cut until you cut it all off, "'but do not cut off my head.' "'Oh, do not fear that, Princess. "'I have often put out the lights when I was drunk "'and never cut the candle. "'I will not hurt you, Panna, "'although it is the first time in my life "'that I have ever done such a thing.' Elena sat down beside the fallen trunk and flung her heavy black hair across it and looked up to Zagloba. "'I am ready,' she said. "'Cut away, sir.' "'And she smiled a little sadly, "'for she was sorry to lose her hair, "'which was so thick that one could hardly span "'its thickness with both hands. "'Zagloba also did not enjoy the task. "'He grasped the stump in order to cut better "'and murmured, "'Cut, I would rather be a barber surgeon, I think, "'and cut the Cossack's beards. "'I feel like an executioner sitting to work, "'for, you know, Princess, "'that they cut off a witch's hair close to her head "'in order that the devil may not hide himself in it "'and lessen the effects of torture. "'But, you young lady, I know which, "'and that is why I dislike this disgraceful task, "'and if Lieutenant Schetlskie does not cut off my ears "'for doing it, I will consider him impotent. "'Truly, I am all goose-flesh. "'Shut your eyes, at least, Princess.' "'They are shut,' said Elena. "'Zagloba stood up as if he were raising himself "'in his stirrups for a blow. "'The smooth steel cut the air, "'and the long black locks glided over the bark "'of the trunk and fell on the ground. "'All right,' said Zagloba. "' Elena stood up and the cropped hair "'fell in a black circle over her face, "'which was covered with blushes. "'For in these days it was considered "'a great disgrace for a girl to be shorn of her hair. "'It was also a great sacrifice on her part, "'to which only necessity would have compelled her. "'Tiers were in her eyes, and Zagloba, "'who was dissatisfied with himself, "'made no attempt to comfort her. "'I think I have done something dreadful, "'and I repeat to you, Panna, that Pansk Schetlskie, "'if he be a true cavalier ought to cut off my ears. "'But it cannot be helped, "'for your sex would have been guessed out at once. "'Now we can go forward fearlessly. "'I asked the old man about the road, "'and held my knife at his throat while I did so. "'He told me that we would see three oaks in the steps "'in the vicinity of which was a wolf's cave, "'and near the cave, the way led "'across Jarovka to Zalotonosha. "'He also said that peasants drive that way, "'so we may find a place in a wagon. "'Oh, these are sad hours that we are passing together. "'I shall never forget them. "'Now we must leave our swords here, "'for it is not suitable for a traveling beggar "'and his boy to carry a mark of nobility. "'I will hide them under this stump. "'Perhaps by God's help I may find them again some day. "'This sword has seen many a fight and won many victories. "'Believe me, princess, I would have had a regiment today "'if the envy and wickedness of men "'had not driven me to hot drink. "'So it is always in the world. "'There is justice nowhere. "'Because I did not run like a fool "'into the midst of death, "'and because I had the good sense, "'like another conch-tater to combine forethought "'with bravery, Satsphilikovsky at first said "'that I was cowardly. "'He is a good fellow, but has a bad tongue. "'It is not long since he has twitted me "'for keeping fellowship with the Cossacks "'and without this fellowship, princess. "'You would certainly not have escaped Bohun's power.' "'As he spoke, Zagloba placed a sword under the stump "'and covered it with grasses and weeds. "'Then he threw the saddle-bag and loot across his shoulders, "'took the stick pointed with flint "'for striking fire in his hand, "'and whirled it in the air two or three times and said, "'Come, that's not so bad. "'We can now strike fire and count the teeth "'of many a dog or wolf. "'The worst of all is having to go on foot, "'but it cannot be helped. "'Let us go.' "'They started, the black-haired boy walking ahead "'and the old man following. "'The old man grunted and cursed, "'for he was warm from walking, "'although a wind was blowing across the steps. "'This wind gave a dark tinge to the cheeks "'of the pretty boy. "'He presently came to a hollow at the bottom of which "'was a spring which poured its crystal waters "'into the Kahamlik. "'In the vicinity of this hollow, not far from the river, "'there grew upon a slight eminence three mighty oaks. "'Our wonderers turned in their direction. "'They soon found the traces of the path "'which, in the steps, "'was marked by yellow blossoms "'that sprang up out of the Kalmanor. "'The road was deserted, no chumocks were to be seen, "'no cattle winding their way slowly along the road. "'Only here and there lay their bones, "'which the wolves had brought here, "'and which gleamed white in the sun. "'The wanderers continued their way without interruption, "'except that they rested a while under the oaks. "'The black-haired boy lay down to sleep in the grass "'and the old man watched. "'They crossed streams, and where there was no ford, "'they walked along the bank looking for one. "'Sometimes the old man would carry the boy "'across on one arm, "'with such ease as to create astonishment "'with a man who carried a beggar's staff. "'But he was a stout old man. "'They walked thus until evening, "'till finally the boy sat down beside the road "'fringed by an oak forest and said, "'I have no more breath. "'My strength is going. "'I can go no farther. "'I will lie down here and die.' "'The old man was filled with dreadful anxiety. "'Oh, this cursed wilderness,' said he, "'no village, no cabin, no living soul on the road. "'But we cannot remain here during the night. "'The night is already falling. "'In an hour it will be dark. "'But listen!' The old man paused, and for a moment absolute silence reigned. "'It was suddenly interrupted by a prolonged dismal sound "'that seemed to come from the bowels of the earth, "'and, in truth, came out of the ravine "'that lay not far from the road. "'Those are wolves,' said Zagloba. "'Last night we had horses, and they ate them up. "'Now they would like to eat us. "'I have a pistol under my waistcoat, "'but I do not know if I have enough powder "'for two shots, and I would not like to be a marzipan "'at the world's wedding. "'Listen, Princess, again!' "'The howling was heard again and appeared to be nearer. "'Get up, child,' said the old man. "'If you cannot walk, I will carry you. "'What shall we do? "'I see that I have already grown to like you, "'and it is probably because I am unmarried "'and have no lawful heirs. "'If I have unlawful ones, they are muscle-munts, "'for I have lived long in Turkey. "'The race of Zagloba, with his coat of arms in the brow, "'will die out with me. "'You will care for me in my old age, "'but now get up or let me carry you on my shoulders. "'My feet are so heavy that I can hardly move. "'And there you were, boasting of your strength, young lady. "'But quiet, quiet, for God's sake, I hear dogs barking. "'Yes, yes, they are dogs, not wolves. "'Timionovka must be quite near,' "'as the old man said. "'God be praised and thanked. "'I was just wondering whether we had not better "'make a fire to keep away the wolves. "'But we should have certainly both of us grown to sleep, "'for we are both exhausted. "'Yes, yes, those are dogs, do you hear?' "'Let us go,' said Helena, "'whose strength had suddenly returned. "'They had hardly stepped out of the wood "'when they saw, at a distance of a few furlongs, "'the smoke from a number of cabins. "'They saw also three little cupolas "'of a Greek church covered with fresh tin "'that glittered in the dusk of evening, "'the barking of dogs became more distinct. "'Yes, that is Timionovka. "'It cannot be anything else,' said Zagloba. "'Begars are always well-received. "'Perhaps we may get a bed and supper, "'and perhaps some good people will forward us on our road. "'Wait a minute, Princess, that is a village of the prince, "'and there certainly must be a vice-darosta, "'so we can rest ourselves and gather news. "'The prince must be on his way. "'Perhaps rescue will come sooner than you hoped, "'but do not forget that you are dumb. "'I am already beginning to lose my own senses, "'for I told you to call me onufri, "'but as you are dumb you must not call me anything. "'I shall speak for you and myself, and God be thanked. "'I can speak the peasants' patois as well as Latin. "'But forward, forward! "'See, there are the first cabins already close by. "'My God, when will there be an end to our wanderings? "'If we could only get some beer, "'I would thank God for that also.' So Globa ceased speaking, and they walked along, side by side, in silence. Then he continued, "'Remember, lady, that you are dumb. "'If anyone asks you anything, point to me and say, "'Nuh-uh-uh-uh, nyah-nyah! "'I have noticed that you are very quick-witted, "'and it is a question now of our skins. "'If we should happen by chance "'to come across a company of the princes "'or of the Hetman's army, "'we would at once tell them who we are, "'especially if we can find a polite officer "'who is a friend of Skashtosky. "'You are really under the prince's care "'and have nothing to fear from the soldiers. "'Oh, what is that fire burning down there in the hollow? "'Ah-ha, it is a blacksmith's, a forge! "'But I see a number of men there. "'Let us go there.' In the cleft which formed a kind of ravine stood a forge from the chimney of which golden sparks, like sheaves of wheat and clouds of smoke arose, and through the open doors and numerous holes that had been bored through the walls, shown a bright light in which the dark forms could be seen passing to and fro inside the shop. Outside the blacksmith's shop a number of forms standing about in groups could be seen in the twilight. The hammers beat time on the anvil so that their echoes filled the air, and these echoes blended with the singing outside the shop, with the noise of conversation, and with the barking of dogs. When Zagloba saw all this, he turned to the hollow, struck his loot, and began to sing, "'On the hillside at harvest, the reapers are seen, the Cossacks are moving below on the green, and down the ravine.'" Singing thus, he approached the crowd of men who were standing before the blacksmith's shop. He looked about him. They were peasants, drunk for the most part, almost all held poles in their hands, and at the end of some of these poles were fastened sides or sharp pikes. The smiths in the shop were working at just such pikes and bending the sides. "'Oh, aziat, aziat!' cried one of the crowd. "'Praised be God,' said Zagloba. "'Forever and ever, amen!' "'Tell me, good people, is this Demyanovka?' "'Demyanovka, why do you ask?' "'They told me on the road,' continued the old beggar, "'that good people lived there who would receive the blind singers, give them food and drink, and entertain them overnight, and give them some pennies. "'Old man as I am, I have traveled a long way, and the boy beside me cannot go any further. "'The poor fellow is dumb and is leading me, "'for I cannot see. "'I am an unhappy blind man. "'God will bless you, good people, "'and also St. Nicholas, the worker of miracles, "'will bless you, and St. Onufri will bless you. "'I can see a little out of one eye, "'but the other has been blind for a long time, "'so I travel about with my loot, "'sing my songs and live like the birds "'on that which falls from good people's hands. "'And where do you come from, old father? "'Oh, from far, far away. "'But allow me to rest. "'I see that there is a bench near the shop. "'You poor fellow, sit down, too,' he said to Helena, pointing to the bench. "'We have come from beyond Ladava, good people, "'but we have been away from home a long, long time, "'and now we have come from the fair in Bravaki. "'And what good news did you hear there?' asked an old man "'who held a scythe in his hand. "'We have heard a great deal, "'but whether it is good, I do not know. "'A great many people are collected there. "'They said of Milnitsky that he had beaten "'the Hetman's son and his knights. "'They also said that on the Russian bank of the Nipper "'the peasants are rising against their masters. "'A crowd of men soon surrounded Zagloba, "'who sat beside the young princess, "'and from time to time struck the strings of his loot. "'And you, daddy, did you hear that they had rebelled? "'Oh, certainly, for misery is the lot of us peasants. "'But they say that the misery will soon come to an end. "'In Kiev they found on the altar a writing from Christ the Lord, "'saying that there will be a frightful, horrible war, "'and a great outpouring of blood in the whole Ukraine. "'The semi-circle around the bench on which Zagloba sat "'closed still closer around him. "'What do you say, a writing? "'Yes, yes, a writing as true as I live, "'about war, shedding of blood. "'But I cannot talk any more, poor old man, "'my throat is dry. "'Here, daddy, take a glass of Gozorka "'and tell us what you heard in the world. "'We know that Ziyads travel about everywhere "'and know everything. "'There were some here not long since, "'and they told us that the last hour had come for the nobles "'through Milnitsky, and so we have had our sides and pikes "'ready that we may not be too late. "'And now we do not know if we should start in now and fight "'or wait for a letter from Milnitsky.' "'Zagloba emptied the glass, smacked his lips, "'then reflected awhile, and said, "'And who tells you that the time has come to begin? "'We wish it ourselves. "'Begin, begin!' cried a number of voices, "'if the Zaporosians have killed the lords, we will begin, too.' "'The sides and spears clashed in their powerful hands "'and gave forth an ominous sound. "'Then there was silence, only the sound of the hammers "'on the anvil were to be heard. "'The future ring-leaders waited to hear "'what the old man would say. "'The Ziyad thought and thought, and then he asked, "'Whose men are you? "'Prince Yarmes, and whom do you wish to kill?' "'The peasants looked confused. "'Him?' asked the old man. "'We could not lay hold on. "'Oh, impossible children, impossible! "'I was in Lubny and saw the prince with my own eyes. "'He is terrible. "'When he cries aloud, the trees tremble in the forest, "'and when he stamps his feet, a hollow is formed in the ground. "'Even the king fears him, the Hetmans obey him, "'and all dread him. "'You could not kill him, children, you could not kill him. "'You will not seek him out, he will seek you, "'and you do not yet know what I know, "'that all the Poles will come to his assistance, "'and mark this, that where there is a pole, "'there is also a sword.' "'Gloomy silence dominated the crowd. "'The old man struck his loot and continued, "'his face turned towards the moon. "'The prince is coming, and with him as many red standards "'and flags as there are stars in heaven, "'and thistles on the steps. "'The wind goes before him in size, "'and do you know what it sighs, children? "'It is sighing for your misery, "'before him strides mother-death with her scythe "'and tolls a bell. "'And do you know what she is tolling? "'She is tolling your death.' "'Lord have mercy on us,' said in low tones, terrified voices. "'And again no sound was heard but the clang of the hammers.' "'Who is the prince's commissioner here?' asked the old singer. "'Pangitashinsky. "'And where is he?' he has fled. "'And why did he flee? "'Because he heard that pikes and scythe are being made. "'He was frightened and ran away. "'So much the worse, he will tell the prince about you.' "'Why are you croaking like a raven?' said an old peasant. "'Well now, we believe that the Black Hour "'has come to the lords. "'They will exist no more, "'neither on the Russian side of the Nipur "'or the Tartar side. "'And then when there are no more masters, princes, "'but Cossacks, free men, there will be no rent to pay, "'no duty on brandy, no duty on flour, no bridge tolls. "'There will be no more Jews, "'for so it says in the writing of Christ of which you told us. "'And Miel is as powerful as the prince, we shall see.' "'God grant it,' said the daddy. "'The lot of the peasants is hard, "'and formerly it was different. "'To whom does the country belong? "'To the prince? "'To whom do the steps belong? "'To the prince? "'To whom the forests? "'To whom the herds? "'To the prince? "'And ages ago they were God's forests, God's steps. "'Whoever came first took what he wanted "'and was subject to no one. "'Now everything belongs to the nobility and to the princes.' "'You are right, children,' said the blind man, "'but I will tell you one thing. "'You know yourselves that you cannot withstand the prince? "'Here you know. "'Whoever wishes to slaughter their masters "'had better not remain here, "'as long as Melnitsky has not measured "'his strength with the prince, "'but fly to Melnitsky at once tomorrow, "'for the prince is already on his way. "'If Pangedashinsky persuades him to come to Demyonovka, "'the prince will not let you live, "'but will hew you down to the very last man. "'So you had better fly to Melnitsky. "'The more of you he has over there, "'the easier it will be for him to finish up the war. "'Oh, but he has a difficult task before him. "'First the Hetmans and the numberless forces of the king, "'then the princes who are more mighty than the Hetmans. "'So run, children, to the help of Melnitsky and the Zaporosians, "'for the poor fellows will not be able to hold out, "'and they are fighting with the lords for your freedom, "'for your welfare. "'Be quick, and thus you will save yourself from the prince "'and help Melnitsky.' "'He is right,' cried every voice, "'he is right. "'Why is daddy?' "'So you saw the prince on the way? "'Saw him? "'I did not see him, but I heard in Brovarki "'that he had already started from Lubny. "'He is burning and cutting wherever he sees a pike. "'Earth and sky are all that escape him.' "'Lord, have mercy on us. "'And where shall we find Melnitsky? "'That is why I came here, children, "'on purpose to tell you where you can find him. "'Go, children, to Zalotonosha, "'and from there to Tractimirov, "'and there you will find Melnitsky waiting for you. "'The people are flocking there from all villages, "'handlets, and farms. "'The Tartars are also coming there. "'Otherwise the prince would not allow you to wander "'on your mother earth. "'And you, father, will you go with us? "'I cannot go, for my old feet will not carry me any longer. "'But get a wagon ready for me, and I will travel with you. "'And before we get to Zalotonosha, "'I will go on ahead to see if the prince's armies are there. "'If they are there, we will turn out of the road "'and go directly to Tractimirov, for that is Cossackland. "'And now give me something to eat and drink, "'for I am hungry, and my boy is hungry. "'Early tomorrow morning we will start out, "'and on the way I will sing to you about Prince Pototsky "'and Prince Yarimi. "'Oh, those terrible lions, there will be a great shedding "'of blood in the Ukraine. "'The sky is very red, and the moon floats as if in blood. "'Pray, children, for God's mercy, "'for many of you will not wander much longer on earth. "'I also heard that the vampires are rising "'from the graves and howling.' "'The assembled crowd of peasants were seized with terror "'and involuntarily began to look around them, "'to cross themselves, and to whisper to one another. "'At length one called out, "'To Zolotanosha! "'To Zolotanosha!' repeated all the men, "'as though they would there find refuge and safety. "'To Tractimirov! "'Death to the Poles and the Nobles!' "'Suddenly a young Cossack stepped forward "'out of the crowd, shook his pike and cried, "'Brothers, if we ought to go to Zolotanosha, "'let us go to-day to the house of the commissioner. "'To the commissioner's house!' cried all the voices at once. "'Burn! Plunder!' "'But the old beggar who had been sitting with his head "'sunk on his breast got up and said, "'Hey, children, do not go to the commissioner. "'Do not burn. It might be the worst for you. "'The prince with his army may be in the neighborhood. "'Notice the fire and come. Then there will be trouble. "'Instead of that, give me something to eat "'and show me my couch. "'It will be better for you to sit quietly "'and not to buzz out about like bees.' "'What he says is true!' called several voices. "'What he says is true. You are a fool, Maxim. "'Come, Father, to my house. "'I will give you bread and salt and a cup of mead. "'And when you have eaten, you shall have some hay "'to sleep on in the cabin,' said the old peasant, "'turning to the old man. "'Zagloba stood up and pulled Helena by the sleeve "'of her jerkin. The young princess had fallen asleep. "'The boy walked until he was tired, "'and I fell asleep myself, even under the sound "'of the anvil,' said Zagloba. "'But in his soul, he thought, "'Oh, sweet innocence that can sleep "'in the midst of spears and knives. "'The angels of heaven must guard thee, "'and in guarding thee they will also protect me.' "'He waked her up and they went into the village, "'which was not far off. "'The night was beautiful and peaceful. "'The echo of the hammers followed them. "'The old peasant went ahead to show them "'the way in the darkness, "'and Zagloba seemed to be repeating a prayer "'and murmured in a monotonous voice. "'Oh, father, in heaven have mercy on us sinners. "'Do you see, lady, holy virgin, "'what would we have done without the peasant's dress? "'As it is on earth, so it is in heaven. "'Now we shall get something to eat, "'and tomorrow we shall go to Zalotonosha "'in a wagon instead of on foot. "'Amen, amen, amen. "'It is possible that Bohun will find our tracks, "'for our tracks will not deceive him. "'Amen, amen. "'But he will be too late, for we shall be beyond "'for Heroka. "'The devil is not a terror to the good. "'The land here will be in flames in a few days "'if the prince should advance toward the Nipper. "'Amen, may the plague, may the devil get them. "'Listen, princess, how they are howling over there "'at the forge. "'Amen, it is a heavy task, but I am a rogue "'if I do not rescue you, "'even if we have to fly to Warsaw. "'What are you mumbling about there, old man?' asked the peasant. "'Nothing, I am praying for your welfare. "'Amen, amen. "'That is my cabin over there. "'Praise be God. "'Forever and ever, I invite you to bread and salt. "'God will reward.' A few moments later the blind man was partaking of mutton and drinking mead freely, and the following day he set out with his boy in a comfortable wagon to Zolotonosia, accompanied by several peasants armed with pikes and scythes. They passed by Kevriets, Chernobai, and Kropivna. On the road they saw that everything was in a ferment. The peasants were arming themselves in all directions. The forges in the ravines worked day and night, and it was only the name of the dreaded Prince Yeremi that still kept down the blood-thirsty revolt. Meanwhile, on the other side of the neaper, the storm had broken in its full rage, the news of the defeat at Korsun had spread over the whole of Russia with lightning speed, and everybody seized their weapons. End of Book Two, Chapter Four Book Two, Chapter Five of With Fire and Sword by Henrik Zinkevich, translated by Samuel A. Binyon. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. The morning after Zagloba's flight, Bohun's men found him almost smothered in the cloak that Zagloba had wound about his head. As he had no severe wounds, however, he soon came to himself. He recalled everything that had happened, and fell into a fury bellowed like a wild beast, covered his hands with blood from his own bloody forehead, and darted among his men with his dagger in his hand, so that his Seminovs did not dare to approach him. Then he could not sit on his horse. He had a Jew cradle arranged and placed between two horses, got into it and rushed like a lunatic in the direction of Lubny, because he thought that the fugitives had gone there. He lay there in the Jew cradle, in the midst of down and of his own blood, and tore through the steps like a vampire who, terrified by the morning light, is flying to its grave, and behind him came his fateful Seminovs in the firm conviction that they were hastening to their death. In this manner they reached Vasalovka, where there was a garrison of a hundred men of the Hungarian cavalry belonging to the Prince. The wild Cossack leader attacked them unhesitatingly, and as though he were tired of life, plunged first into the fray, and after a battle of several hours slew them all, with the exception of a few soldiers whom he spared, only that he might oblige them to confess through torture. After he had learned from them that no nobleman had been seen with a girl in this direction, he knew not what to do, and for very pain dragged the bandages off his wounds. It was impossible to advance any further, for the regiments of the Prince were stationed around Lubny, and these would certainly have been made aware of the battle by the inhabitants of Vasalovka, who had fled in terror. The faithful soldiers therefore obliged the Ottoman who was exhausted from rage to go back with them to Rosloga, but on their return they found no trace remaining of the castle, for the peasants of the neighborhood had plundered and burned it down, together with Prince Vasal, hoping that if the princes or Princeyarami wished to revenge themselves, they would lay the whole blame upon the Cossacks and Bohun. Before they had burned down all the buildings, destroyed the cherry orchard, killed all the servants, for the peasants avenged themselves without mercy for the hard treatment and oppression which they had experienced from the Kurtsevichi. Immediately behind Rosloga, Pleshnevsky fell into Bohun's hands as he was coming from Chigrin with news of the defeat near the Zoltovoda. They asked him where he was going and on what errand, and as he became confused and could give no clear answer, they suspected him. They held him over the fire until he told all that he knew about the defeat and about Zagloba whom he had met the previous day. The Cossack leader breathed freely. He hung Pleshnevsky and travelled on now with a firm conviction that Zagloba could not escape him. The herders gave him new directions, but when he came to the fort he lost all tracks. There was no danger of his meeting the old beggar whom Zagloba had plundered, for he had gone in another direction, down the Kahamlik, and was, besides, so terrified that he hid himself in the rushes like a fox. Meanwhile a day and a night passed as the pursuit in the direction of Vasalovka took exactly two days Zagloba had gained an immense advantage. What was to be done now? In this dilemma Bohun received assistance and advice from the sergeant, an old wolf of the steppes, who from his youth up had learned to track the tartars in the wild lands. Little father, he said, they fled to Chagrin, and they have done wisely, for they have gained time, but when they heard about Mielnitsky and learned about the defeat at the Zoltovoda from Pleshnevsky they took another road. You saw yourself, little father, that they left the highway and turned off in a side direction. Into the steppes, I could find them in the steppes, but they went to the Nipur to try and reach the Hetmans, therefore they must have gone to Cherkas or to Zalotonosha and Prokhorovka, and even if they have gone to Periyaslov, although I do not believe they have, we will yet find them. We must go one to Cherkas, the other to Zalotonosha upon the Chumak Road, and without loss of time, for if they cross the Nipur they will speed to the Hetmans or else fall into the hands of Mielnitsky's tartars. Hurry to Zalotonosha, and I will go to Cherkas, good little father. And be on your guard, for that is a sly fox. Oh, I am sly too, little father. After they had thus arranged their plan of pursuit they separated, one going to Cherkas, the other farther up-country to Zalotonosha. That evening the old sergeant Anton arrived in Demianovka. The village was empty, only the women remained behind, for all the men had gone to Mielnitsky on the Nipur. When the women saw armed men coming and did not know who they were, they hid themselves in the cabins and barns, and Anton had to look a long time before he found an old woman who feared nothing, not even the tartars. And where are the peasants, mother? How do I know? she answered, showing her yellow teeth. We are Cossack's little mother, fear nothing. We are not Poles. Poles? The devil take them. You wish us well, do you not? You? The old woman reflected a minute, and— May the plague take you! she said. Anton did not know what he should do when, suddenly the door of the cabin grated on its hinges, and a pretty young woman stepped out. Oh, young warriors, I heard that you were not Poles. That's right. So you belong to Mielnitsky? Yes. Not to the Poles? No. And why are you asking for the peasants? We are only asking if they have gone away already. They have gone! They have gone! Thank God! Now tell me, young woman, has not a cursed Polish nobleman with his daughter gone through here? A nobleman? A Pole? I did not see them. Did any one pass through here? A blind singer was here. He advised the peasants to go to Mielnitsky to Zalotonosha, and said Prince Jeremy was coming. Where? Yes, coming here. Then he was to go to Zalotonosha, so the daddy said. And the daddy advised the peasants to rebel? Yes, he did. Was he alone? No, with a dumb boy. And what did he look like? Who? The old man. Oh, old, very old! He played the lute and complained about the proprietors, and I did not see him. And he advised the peasants to rebel, asked Anton once more. Yes, he did. Hmm, God keep you, young woman, God be with you! Anton thought long and deeply. If this old man should be Zagloba in disguise, why in the devil's name had he advised the peasants to go over to Mielnitsky? And then where had he got his disguise? Where had he left his horses? He certainly went away on horseback. But above all, why did he excite the peasants to rebellion and warn them of the arrival of the prince? The noblemen would not have done that, and before all would have sought refuge himself with the prince, and if the prince should go to Zalotonosha, which was not impossible, he would certainly take vengeance for Vasalovka. Here Anton started, for a new picket on the gate suddenly took on the appearance of a stake. No, this old man was only an old beggar, nothing more. It is not worthwhile to go to Zalotonosha. It would be better to escape in the other direction. But what then? Should I wait, the prince might come. If I go to Prokhorovka and cross the Nipur, I may fall into the hands of the Hetmans. This old wolf of the steppes did not feel comfortable now in the wide steppes. He felt also that the wolf in him met his match in the fox in Zagloba. All at once he slapped his forehead. And why did this Zayad send the peasants to Zalotonosha behind which lies Prokhorovka, and behind that again on the other side of the Nipur, the Hetmans, and the whole army of the crown? Anton resolved to ride in any case to Prokhorovka. Should he learn on reaching the river's bank that the forces of the Hetmans were on the opposite shore he would not cross the river but ride up along its banks and unite with Bohan near Cherkos. In any case he would get news of Mielnitsky along the road. Anton knew from what Plezhnevsky had told them that Mielnitsky had taken Chigrin, that he had sent Chivonos against the Hetmans, and that he himself was to follow them immediately with Tuhay Bay. As an experienced soldier and one who knew the lay of the land perfectly, Anton was certain that a battle had already taken place. In this event one must know which side one must take. If Mielnitsky was beaten the Hetmans forces would swarm across the Nipur in pursuit, and in this case he would never find Zagloba. If Mielnitsky conquered, Anton could not believe that this would be the case. It was less difficult to overcome the son of the Hetman than the Hetman himself, easier to conquer the vanguard than the whole army. Ah! thought the old Cossack. Our Ottoman would do better to think of his own skin than to think of the girl. At Chigrin we could cross the Nipur and from there escape to Siech while we have time. Here between Prince Yeremi and the Hetmans it is difficult to find a safe corner. Amid such considerations he rode hastily with his soldiers in the direction of the Sula which he had to cross on leaving Demianovka if he wished to reach Prokhorovka. They arrived at Mogilna, which lay directly on the river. Here fate favored Anton, for although Mogilna, like Demianovka, was deserted he found flat-bottom boats and boatmen who had taken the peasants across the river as they fled across the Nipur. The Nipur country itself did not dare to rebel beneath the hand of the Prince, but from all the villages, country towns and settlements came the peasants flocking to join Miannitsky and to fight under his banner. The news of the Zaperozian victory near the Zoltovoda flew like lightning across the whole Nipur land. The wild people could no longer remain quiet, although they, themselves, were not oppressed for, as we have already said, the Prince who punished the rebel was a true father to the peaceful settlers, and his commissioners were in constant fear lest they should commit any injustice to the people who were entrusted to their care. But to these people who, a short time before, had been transformed from banditi into agriculturists, justice, strict discipline and order had become wearisome, and they fled thither where the hope of an undisciplined freedom beckoned them. In many of the handlets the very women went over to Miannitsky. In Chabonova and Visoki the whole population had left and had burned down their houses behind them in order to make it impossible for them to return. In the handlets which had not yet been deserted, the men were arming themselves with all haste. Anton began to inquire from the boatmen if they had any news from the other side of the Nipur. There was news, but it was contradictory, confused and unsatisfactory. It was said that Miannitsky was fighting with the Hetmans, some said he was beaten, others that he was the victor, a peasant who had fled to Damianovka had said that the Hetmans were taken prisoners. The boatmen judged that he was a nobleman in disguise, but they had not had the courage to detain him because they heard that the prince's army was in the neighborhood. It was fear indeed that increased the size of the prince's army and made out of it an omnipresent force, for there was probably at this moment not a hamlet in the whole Nipur country in which it was not said that the prince was near. Anton remarked that everyone took his troop for scouts of Prince Yeremi. He quieted the boatmen and asked them about the peasants who had come from Damianovka. "'Certainly they were here. We took them over to the other shore,' said the boatmen, and was there an old singer among them. "'Yes, and a dumb boy with him, a little fellow? Yes, indeed. What did the singer look like? He was not old but fat, and had eyes like a fish with a patch over one of them. That's the man,' grunted Anton and asked again, and the boy, "'Oh, for the ottoman, just like a cherub, we have never seen one like him before.' Meanwhile, they had reached the other shore. Now Anton knew what he had to do. "'Oh, we will bring the young thing back to the ottoman,' he murmured to himself, then turning to his soldiers he cried, "'Too hoarse!' They flew along like a flock of frightened birds, although the road was heavy, for the country was full of ravines, and they came to one deep ravine at the bottom of which was a road that looked as if it was made by nature itself. This ravine led to Kavreistah. They rode several furlongs without resting. Anton in advance on the best horse. They were almost out of the ravine when Anton pulled in his horse so suddenly that his hind hoofs struck the stones. What is that?' The entrance to the ravine was suddenly filled with men and horses. Cavalry came into the path and formed into groups of six. There were about three hundred horses. As Anton saw this, although he was an old warrior accustomed to all kinds of danger, his heart dumped in his breast and a deathly pallor overspread his countenance. He recognized Prince Yeremi's dragoons. It was too late to fly. There were not two hundred paces between Anton's troops and the dragoons, and the exhausted horses of the Seminov's could not have fled long before their pursuers. His men had also caught sight of the dragoons and came riding up in haste. In a few minutes he and his men were surrounded on all sides. "'Who are you?' asked the lieutenant. Bohun's men,' answered Anton, for he saw that he must tell the truth as his colors betrayed him. As he however recognized the lieutenant, whom he had frequently seen in Perioslov, he cried joyfully, "'Lieutenant Kushev, thank God! Ah, it is you,' said the lieutenant, looking at the sergeant. "'What are you doing here? Where is your Ottoman?' The chief Hetman sent our Ottoman to the Prince Yeremi to beg for assistance. The Ottoman has written to Lupini and gave us orders to ride around here in the villages in order to catch the deserters.' Anton lied as if he were paid for it, but he counted upon this, that if the company of dragoons had come from the Nipur they would not have heard anything about the attack on Rosloga, nor of the flight at Vasalovka, nor of Bohun's other deeds. The lieutenant answered, however, one would think that you were trying to fight your way to the rebels. "'Why, Lieutenant, if we wished to go to Mianitsky, we would not be on this side of the Nipur,' said Anton. "'You are right,' said Kushev, quite right. I cannot deny it, but the Ottoman will not find the Prince Yeremi in Lupini. "'Oh, and where is the Prince? He was in Celoka. He may possibly have gone to Lupini yesterday.' "'That is a pity. The Ottoman had a letter to the Prince from the Hetman, and asking your pardon, is your grace leading the soldiers from Celotunosha?' "'No, we were stationed in Kalenki, and have just received orders to advance to Lupini, as all the forces have gone, and from there out the Prince will march forth with all his forces. Where are you going?' "'To Prokhorovka, that is where the peasants are crossing the river. Have many fled?' "'Oh, very many, a great many. Well, God be with you. We thank your grace most humbly. God preserve you.' The dragoons made way, and Anton's escort rode from their mids towards the opening of the ravine. As soon as they got into the open steps, Anton halted and listened sharply, and, as the dragoons disappeared from sight, and the last echo of their horses' hoofs had died away, he turned to his soldiers and said, "'Do you know, fools, if I had not been here, within three days you would have been on stakes in Lupini, and now gallop as hard as you can, even if the horses should fall dead?' "'We are in luck,' thought Anton, doubly in luck, first in having escaped with a sound skin, and secondly because these dragoons did not come from Zalotonosha, and so Zagloba did not pass them, for if he had met them he would be safe from any further pursuit. In fact it was a very unfavorable circumstance for Zagloba, and fate seemed throughout to have shown him no favor, that he had not met Kuchel and his company, for had he done so he would have been saved at once and freed from all anxiety. Meanwhile the news of the defeat at Corsun had struck him like lightning in Prokorovka. On the way to Zalotonosha the report was spread in all the villages and country towns of a great battle, even of the victory of Mianitsky, but Zagloba did not believe it for he knew from experience that, among the people, every rumor attains immense proportions, and that they were particularly apt to make the most of Cossack victories, but once in Prokorovka he could disbelieve no longer. The terrible, ominous truth struck him like the blow of a hammer. While Nitsky had triumphed the royal army was defeated, the Hetmans were prisoners and the whole Ukraine had risen. Zagloba lost his head for a moment for he was in a frightful position. Fortune had not been favorable to him in his journey, for he found no garrison in Zalotonosha. The town was in a fury against the Poles and the old fortress had been deserted. He doubted not for a moment that Bohan would seek him and sooner or later would find his tracks. It was true that he had made cross-tracks like a hunted hair, but he knew well the bloodhound who was pursuing him, and knew that this hound would not let himself be thrown off the scent. Thus Zagloba had at his back the revengeful Bohan, and before him the surging sea of the peasant rebellion, slaughter, fire, the tartar raiders, the bestial mob. To escape these under such circumstances was an almost hopeless task, especially to escape with a girl who, in spite of her disguise as a beggar boy, attracted universal attention by her extraordinary beauty. It was enough to make one lose one's reason, but Zagloba did not lose it for long. In the midst of the confusion in his mind he saw very plainly, or rather felt very clearly, that he feared Bohan a hundred times more than he feared fire and water, rebellion and slaughter, yea even than Mianitsky himself. He shuddered at the thought that he might fall into the hands of the terrible Cossack. He would flay me, he repeated constantly to himself, and here in front of me a sea of rebellion. There was one means of escape, to give up Helena and leave her to God's will, but he did not want to do that. It cannot be, he said to her, you must have bewitched me, and the end of it will be that on account of you I shall be skinned. He would not leave her. He would not entertain the thought for a moment. But what could he do? Ah, he thought, there's no longer time to search for the Prince before me is a sea, I will dive into this sea, perhaps I can hide myself and by God's help get over to the other shore. And he decided to cross to the right side of the Neeper. But at Prokorovka that was not easy. Nicholas Potosky had taken for Shchetchovsky and his soldiers all the yalls, flat-bottom boats, kikies and small boats from Periyaslov to Chigrin for Shchivonos and the regiments under his command. There was only an un-sea-worthy flat-bottomed pond in Prokorovka. A thousand men were waiting for this pond to get across the Neeper. In the village all the huts, barns, and stables and sheds were occupied by soldiers, and everything commanded unheard of price, so that Zagloba was really obliged to earn his bread with his loot. It would be twenty-four hours before they could cross the river, for the pond had twice been damaged and had to be repaired. He passed the night sitting with Helena on the bank of the river beside the fire, amid a swarm of drunken peasants. The night was cool and windy. The princess sank exhausted from fatigue and pain, for the peasants' coarse boots had rubbed the skin off her feet. She was afraid she might become very ill. Her face was dark and pale. Her wonderful eyes were dimmed. She expected every moment to be recognized in spite of her disguise or to fall suddenly into the hands of Bohun's men. A frightful spectacle was enacted before her eyes this very night. The peasants had brought from the mouth of the Rossa some noblemen who were attempting to seek refuge in Vishnilvyatsky's dominions from the Tartar invaders, and they murdered them on the bank of the river. They bored out their eyes and crushed their heads between two stones. There were, at the same time in Prokhorovka, two Jews with their families. The savage mob threw them into the Neeper, and as they did not sink, they took long poles and pushed them under the water. These proceedings were accompanied by wild noises and drunkenness. Intoxicated Cossacks frolicked with intoxicated Cossack women. Horrible laughter sounded ominously on the dark banks of the Neeper. The wind blew fiercely on the fire and carried with it red embers and sparks which were extinguished in the water. From time to time the hoarse voice of some drunkard called through the darkness, Save yourself, Yarmie is coming! Then the mob would dash blindly towards the shore, crowd each other and fall into the water. Once Zagloba and the Princess were nearly trampled underfoot. It was a hellish night, and seemed as it would never end. Zagloba begged a quart of brandy from which he drank himself, and also obliged the Princess to drink, otherwise she would have fainted or fallen into a fever. At length the waters of the Neeper began to gleam. Everything was breaking. Day had come. A cloudy, colorless day. Zagloba was anxious to cross to the other side of the river as soon as possible. Luckily the pond had been mended, but there was a frightful crowd around it. "'Room for the old beggar, room for the old beggar,' cried Zagloba, holding Helena before him with outstretched hand, and shielding her from the crowd. "'Room for the old beggar! I am going to Mianitsky and Chicholtsky. "'Room for the old beggar, good Cossacks, dear people, brothers, may the black death overtake you, you and your children. I do not see very well. I shall fall into the water, and my boy with me. Make room, little children. May you be paralyzed in all your limbs. May the plague take you, and may you all perish at the stake!' Thus cringing, cursing, praying, but at the same time pushing the crowd aside with his powerful arms, he pushed Helena forward first on the boat. And then, after he had climbed in himself with some difficulty, he began to cry again, "'There are enough here already. Why do you crowd it so? You will sink the boat if too many of you crowd on it. Enough, enough, your turn will come, and if it does not come—' "'Enough, enough!' cried those who had found room in the boat. "'Put off, put off!' The oars began to move, and the boat left the shore. The strong current carried it down the stream in the direction of Domontova. They had hardly got halfway across the river when they heard voices and loud cries from Prokhorovka. A frightful confusion had arisen among the mob who had remained on the shore. Some were running wildly towards Domontova. Others jumped into the water. Others screamed, tossed their arms wildly in the air, or threw themselves on the ground. "'What's the matter? What has happened?' those on the pond asked. "'Yaramie!' cried a voice. "'Yaramie! Yaramie! Let us fly!' They cried. The oars played violently against the stream. The boat darted away like a Cossack canoe. At this moment some horsemen appeared on the Prokhorovka shore. "'Yaramie's army!' cried those on the pond. The horsemen rode up and down the bank, moving quickly hither and thither and asking questions. Finally they shouted to those on the boat. "'Halt! Halt!' Zagloba looked across and a cold sweat covered him from head to foot. He recognized Bohun's Cossacks. It was indeed Anton with his soldiers. But as said before, Zagloba never lost his presence of mind for long. He held his hand before his eyes, as though being half blind, he must look for some time, and then, as if he were being flayed, he began to scream, "'Children! Those are Vishnoviyatsky's Cossacks! For God and the Holy Virgin's sake, get quickly to the other shore. Those that have remained behind, we must leave behind, and we must destroy the boat, otherwise we shall all be killed. Quicker, quicker, we must destroy the boat!' cried the other passengers. Such a noise arose that they could not hear the cries from the prokhorovka side. At this moment the boat stuck on the sand of the shore, and the peasants began to get out, but hardly had one or two of them got out when they began to wrench at the side planks of the pond and to chop it to pieces with their axes. The seats and the shattered sides flew about in the air. They destroyed the ill-fated pond as if they were mad, tore it to pieces, fear lending them all the more strength. All this time Zagloba was screaming, "'Chop it! Break it! Burn it! Save yourselves! Yaramiya's coming! Yaramiya's coming!' While he was screaming he winked at Helena with his sound eye and began to carry on a succession of very meaning blanks. Meanwhile at sight of the destruction of the ferry the cries on the other shore increased, but the distance was so great that one could not understand what was said. The beckoning of hands looked like threats and only hastened the destruction of the pond. In a few minutes the boat had disappeared when suddenly a scream of terror and horror came from every breast. "'They have jumped into the water! They are swimming towards us!' whined the peasants. One of the horsemen had really jumped into the water. A number of others had followed him and they were swimming their horses towards the opposite shore. It was indeed a foolhardy act. For swollen by spring floods the river had a more powerful current than usual, and in many places formed eddies and whirlpools. The horses were carried away by the stream and could not swim straight across. The water carried them down with increasing swiftness. "'They cannot cross!' cried the peasants. "'They are drowning! Thank God! Oh! One horse has already sunk! Too destruction with them!' The horses had already swum about one-third of the distance across the river, but the strong current carried them steadily down. They were evidently losing their strength and sunk gradually deeper and deeper. Before long the riders were up to their hips in water. A few minutes passed. The peasants from Shapuka hastened to the spot in order to see what was going on. Now only the horses' heads were to be seen above water, and the Cossacks stemmed the water with their breasts. But they were already half way across. Suddenly a horse's head, as well as his rider, disappeared under the water. Then a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth. The number of the swimmers was growing smaller. On both sides of the river a gloomy silence reigned, but it all went down to the river to see what was going on. Two-thirds of the river had already been crossed. The number of the swimmers was smaller, but one could already hear the heavy breathing of the horses, and the voices of the Cossacks urging them forward. It was evident that some of them would reach their goal. Suddenly Zagloba's voice broke the silence, Hey! Children, shoulder your muskets! Death to the prince's men!' Smoke arose. Shots were heard. Despairing cries from the river. And in a moment horses, riders all had disappeared. The river was clear, only here and there, at a distance, in the swirl of the waves appeared a horse's body or a red Cossack cap. Zagloba looked at Helena and blinked. End of Book Two, Chapter Five. Before Vishnovyetsky had found Skyshettovsky seated on the ruins of Rosloga, he had already heard of the defeat at Korsun, for Colonel Polanovsky, an officer of the prince, had brought him the news in Sahotin. The prince had stopped before this in Shiluka and had sent Captain Boguslav Maskevich with a letter to the Hetmans, in which he inquired where they desired him to station himself with his entire forces. As however Panmaskevich was a long time in bringing back an answer, the prince marched to Periyoslav and sent advance guards ahead of him on all sides, with commands that the regiments which were scattered here and there in the Nipper land should assemble as soon as possible in Lubny. But there came news that several Cossack companies stationed in the border fortresses near the Tartars had disbanded or had even gone over to the rebels. The prince saw his forces thus suddenly diminished and grieved over it deeply, for he had not thought it possible that these men whom he had so often led to battle should ever leave him. But when he met Colonel Polanovsky and heard the news of the defeat he concealed this from the army and marched forward towards the Nipper, with the intention of rushing blindly into the midst of the storm and rebellion, and either avenging the defeat, wiping out the disgrace of the army or losing his own life. He thought besides that a small and perhaps considerable portion of the king's army had escaped defeat, and if the army were reinforced by his six thousand men he might hope to be able to measure himself with Mianitsky. As soon as he had arrived in Periyoslav, therefore, he commanded little Volodzhovsky and Kuchel to send out their dragoons in all directions, to Cherkass and Mantau, to Sekerna, to Bukhach, to Stayeka, to Trektimorov, that they might bring away all the boats that they could find in the neighborhood. Then the army would cross over to Razyshov from the left bank. The messengers learned of the defeat from the fugitives that they met on the road, but did not find a single boat in any of these places. For, as has been already said, the chief Hetman had already taken half of them for Chechovsky and Barabash, and the rest had been destroyed by the excited mob on the right bank of the river, for fear the prince might come. Nevertheless Volodzhovsky, with ten men, managed to reach the right bank on a raft that he had put together in a hurry out of tree trunks. He caught a few Cossacks whom he brought to the prince. The prince learned from them of the immense proportions the rebellion had assumed and of the dreadful results that had already followed the victory at Korsum. The whole Ukraine was up in arms to the last man. The rebellion spread like a flood over the land and increased momentarily. The nobility protected themselves in their castles and fastnesses, but many of them were already in the hands of the rebels. Mionitsky's power increased with every hour. The Cossack prisoners gave the number of his army as already two hundred thousand men, and in a few days this number might easily be doubled. That was why he remained in Korsum after the victory and made use of the period of rest to entice more people into his innumerable ranks. He divided the blacks into regiments, made colonels of the Ottomans and the experienced Zaporosian sergeants, and sent vanguards, whole divisions, to attack castles in the vicinity. Prince Yeremi considered all this and saw plainly that, for lack of boats which would take at least a week to prepare for six thousand men, and that on account of the strength of the enemy which had increased beyond all expectations, he should in no way be able to cross the Nipper. His Council of War comprised Polanovsky, Colonel Berinovsky, Commander of the vanguard Alexander Berinovsky, Volodkovsky and Vercel, and they were of the opinion that they ought to retreat towards the north to Chernigov, that lay beyond dense forests, and from there, passing by Lubesh, crossed the river to Brahinov. This was a long and dangerous road, for beyond the woods of Chernigov on the way to Brahinov there were immense swamps which the foot soldiers could hardly cross, to say nothing of the heavy cavalry, the wagons, and the artillery. The Prince, however, was pleased with this advice, but he wished before taking that long journey to go into his own country across the Nipper to show himself here and there, in order to repress any immediate outbreak, unite the nobility under his wings, spread terror and leave the remembrance of terror in the minds of the people, which alone, in the absence of the ruler, would be the guardian of the land and the protector of those who could not march forward with the army. Besides this, the Princess Griselda, the Lady Sabarysky, the Court Ladies, the whole household, and some regiments, mainly infantry, were yet in Lubne. The Prince resolved to go there and take a last farewell. That very day the army marched out, Volodkovsky, with his dragoons at their head, who, although they were all Russians, without exception, were under absolute discipline and were transformed into regular troops, and surpassed almost all the other companies in loyalty. The country was still quiet, here and there bands of Ruffians had formed who plundered both the peasants and the landed proprietors as well. A considerable number of these were caught on the march and impaled, but the peasants had not rebelled. Their minds were inaffirmant, there was fire in their eyes and breasts. They were arming in silence, they fled across the Nipper, but fear as yet restrained the thirst for blood and murder. One thing alone could be regarded as a bad omen for the future, which was that the peasants, even in the villages which had not yet gone over to Miannitsky, fled at the approach of the Prince's army, as though they feared that the terrible Prince would read in their faces what they were hiding in their consciences, and that he would punish them without further ceremony. However, he did punish wherever he found the slightest sign of approaching insurrection, and as he was unbridled by nature, in his rewards as in his punishments, he punished beyond all measure and without mercy. One might say that at that time two vampires haunted both sides of the Nipper, one attacking the nobility, Miannitsky, the other, the rebellious people, Prince Yeremi. The people whispered to each other that when these two met the sun would grow dark and the waters and all the rivers would turn into blood. But this meeting was still in the future. For that Miannitsky, the victor of the Zoltevoda, the victor at Corsun, that Miannitsky, who had reduced the king's forces in the dust, had taken the Hetman's prisoner, and who now stood at the head of a hundred thousand warriors, was simply afraid of this lord of Lubny, who, from the other side of the Nipper, was setting out to find him. The Prince's army marched through Sleperode. The Prince himself, however, had halted at Filippovo in order to rest when news was brought him that envoys from Miannitsky with a letter were outside and requested an audience. The Prince commanded that they should be admitted at once. Six Zaporosians then stepped into the house of the Vice Starosta where the Prince was stopping. They stepped forward boldly enough, especially the spokesman, the Ataman Tsukaruka, who could not forget the victory of Corsun and his newly acquired dignity of Colonel. When they saw the countenance of the Prince, however, they were seized with such terror that they fell at his feet and dared not speak a word. The Prince, who was surrounded by his principal knights, commanded them to rise and asked why they came. A letter from the Hetman, answered Tsukaruka. The Prince fixed his glance upon the Cossack and said quietly, emphasizing each word, from a scoundrel, vagabond, and a bandit, not from a Hetman. The Zaporosians grew pale, or rather yellow, let their heads sink on their breasts and stood silently at the door. Then the Prince commanded Colonel Maskevich to take the letter and read it. The letter was couched in humble terms. In Miannitsky, in spite of the victory of Corsun, the fox triumphed over the lion, the serpent over the eagle, for he did not forget that he was writing to Vishnyovetsky. He acted with friendliness perhaps only to lull suspicion and thus to sting more easily. He wrote that what had happened had been Chaplinsky's fault, that the chances of fortune had overtaken the Hetmans and that it was not his Miannitsky's fault, but the fault of want of judgment on the part of the Hetmans and because of oppressions which they tolerated in the Ukraine. He begged the Prince therefore not to be angry with him, but to graciously pardon him, in return for which he would be the Prince's faithful servant. But in order to gain the Prince's favour for his envoys and to preserve them from the Prince's anger, he announced that he had freed Colonel Skyshettsky who had been taken prisoner in Siege, and who was alive and well. Here followed long complaints of Skyshettsky's haughtiness, that he had not been willing to take letters from Miannitsky to the Prince, and thus grossly insulted his dignity as Hetman and the dignity of the whole Zaporizhian army. Miannitsky attributed all that had happened from the defeat on the Zoltovoda to that of Corsun, to the haughtiness and mistrust with which the Cossacks were treated by the Poles, the letter closed with assurances of regret and his fealty to the Commonwealth and of his submission to the will of the Prince. The messengers themselves were astonished at the contents of the letter for they had not known what was in it and supposed insults and bold challenges rather than in treaties. It was clear to them that Miannitsky did not wish to risk a battle at present with such a celebrated leader, and that instead of marching against him with his whole strength, he was trying to create delay and pretending humility evidently in the expectation that the forces of the Prince would be worn out by long marches and by battles and encounters with various Cossack detachments. In a word he was evidently very much afraid of the Prince. The messengers therefore were more humble than ever, and while the letter was being read tried to read their fate in the countenance of the Prince, and although incoming they were prepared for any emergency, they were now shaking with terror. The Prince, however, listened quietly, closed his eyes from time to time as though he wished to hide the lightning that was contained in them, but it was evident that he was curbing his terrible anger with a great effort. When Mastievich had finished, he said nothing to the envoys but commanded Volodzhovsky to take them away and keep them under guard. Then he turned to his officers with the following words, The cunning of this enemy is great. He either thinks that he will lull me to sleep with this letter in order to attack a sleeping man, or he is trying to entice me into the heart of the Commonwealth, finish up the business there, and receive pardon from the King and from the diet, and he will then feel secure, for if I wished to continue fighting him then it would not be he but I that would be acting contrary to the will of the Commonwealth, and I should be considered a rebel. Wirtzel put his hand to his forehead. O astute fox! What step do you advise me to take, honourable gentleman? asked the Prince, speak boldly, and then I will tell you my own opinion. Old Zatfilikovsky, who had left Chigrin some time before and had joined the Prince, said, Your grace can do as he pleases, but if I might advise, I would say that your Highness has guessed Miannitsky's intentions with your ordinary penetration. They are exactly what he wants to do, nothing else. I think therefore we should pay no attention to his letter, but in the first place put the Princess in safety, then cross the neaper and begin the war before Miannitsky enters into any negotiation, for it would be a disgrace and a dishonour to the Commonwealth if she should allow such acts to go unpunished. But, and here he turned towards the other officers, I do not consider my opinion is infallible and I am waiting to hear yours. Commander of the army, Alexander Zamoysky, struck his sword. Were the standard bearer, age and wisdom speak through you, we must cut off the head of this hydra before it grows and devours us. Amen, said Father Mukovetsky. The other officers said nothing, they followed the example of the commander, struck their swords and ground their teeth. Kurtzel, however, said, My prince, it is in fact an insult to your highness that this vagabond has dared to write a letter to you. A koshoff Ottoman bears a rank confirmed and recognized by the Commonwealth, even the Kurtzen Ottomans can boast the same. But he, Miannitsky, has made himself a hetman and cannot be regarded otherwise than a bandit, and therefore Schettersky behaved in a praiseworthy manner when he refused to carry these letters to your highness. I am of your opinion, said the prince, and as I can alter each him myself he shall be punished in the person of his envoys. He then turned to the colonel of the Tartar bodyguard. Colonel Vyashel, order your Tartars to behead these Kossaks, but to cut a stake for their leader and impale him at once. Vyashel bowed his red head and went out. Father Mukovetsky, however, who often undertook to restrain the prince, folded his hands as if in prayer, and looked imploringly into his eyes as though he would entreat for mercy. I know what you mean, Father, said Prince Yeremi, but it cannot be. This must be done in return for the cruelty which they practiced on the other side of the neaper, and to maintain our dignity and for the welfare of the whole Commonwealth. It must be shown by such an example that there is someone who is not afraid of this bandit leader, and who will treat him as a highwayman, who, though he writes humbly, indeed acts with boldness and commands like a sovereign prince of the Ukraine, and brings such paroxysms to the Commonwealth as she has not known in a long time. My prince, he has liberated Lutoninskyshetosky as he writes, said the priest, timidly, I thank you in his name for putting him on a level with bandits. Here the prince knitted his brows. But enough of this. I see, he added, turning to his officers, that you all declare for war, that is also my wish. We will march, then, to Chernigov, gather the nobility on the way, cross the river at Brahinov, and then march towards the south, now to Lubny. So help us, God, said the colonels. At this moment the door opened and Rostvorosky appeared, the commander of the Valak company, who had been sent out three days before with three hundred horsemen to reconnoitre. My prince, he cried, the insurrection is growing, Rosluga is burned down, the garrison at Vassalovka has been destroyed to the last man. How? What? Where? was asked on all sides. But the prince motioned with his hand and said, who did it, bandits or soldiers? Bohun, they say. Bohun? Yes, he himself. When did it happen? Three days ago. Did you follow his tracks? Did you catch informers? Did you ask for news? I followed his tracks, but could not catch him, for three days had already elapsed. I obtained some information on the road, they went back to Chagrin and there they divided, one half going to Cherkass, the other to Zolotonosha and Prokhorovka. Then Kushel said, I came across the company that was going to Prokhorovka, of which I notified your highness. They said that they had been sent out by Bohun to prevent the peasants from crossing the Nipur, so I let them continue their journey. You acted unwisely, but it was not your fault. It is difficult to avoid mistakes here when treachery lurks in every step one takes, and where the ground is burning under one's feet, said the prince. Suddenly he put his hand to his head. Oh, mighty God! he cried. I remember now what Skashatovsky told me, that Bohun had designs on the innocence of the young Princess Kurtzovich. Now I understand why Rosloga was burned down. The girl must have been kidnapped. Here, Volodzhovsky, come here. Take five hundred horsemen and set out at once for Cherkass. The Soviets with five hundred vollex will go to Prokhorovka by way of Zolotonosha. Do not spare the horses, and whoever frees the girl shall have Yeremyovka as a life property. Now hasten, hasten! Then he said to the colonels, and we, gentlemen, will go to Lubny by way of Rosloga. The officers hastily left the house of the vice starosta and joined their regiments. The volunteers mounted their horses in haste. The Prince's brown stallion, that he usually rode when on the march, was led forward. In a few minutes the regiments rode off and proceeded like a long variegated glittering serpent along the highway from Filippovo. At the turnpike a bloody sight met their eyes. On the pickets of the fence they saw five Cossack heads, which looked with dead, hollow eyes at the passing army, and, not far off from there, beyond the gate, on a green hill, the Ottoman Tsukharuka was still writhing on a stake. The stake had gone through half his body, but many hours of torture still remained for the unfortunate man. Before he might live till evening before death would release him. Now, however, he was not only alive, but his terrible eyes followed the companies as they passed by, eyes which said, May God punish you, your children, and your grandchildren, unto the tenth generation, for the blood, for the wounds, for the tortures. May you perish, you and your race. May all misfortune happen to you. May you die a lingering death which is neither living nor dying. And although he was a simple Cossack, although he did not die in purple, nor in a gold embroidered cloak, but in a common blue jerkin, and not in the castle chamber, but under the open sky, impaled on a stake, yet the torture, the death that hovered over his head, covered him with dignity, and gave such power to his glance, such a sea of hate in his eyes, that all understood what he would have said, and the company's road silently passed him, and in the golden beams of the midday sun he towered above them, and gleamed like a torch on the freshly cut stake. The Prince rode by without casting a glance at him, the priest Mukovetsky made the sign of the cross over the unfortunate man, they had all gone past when a youth from the Hussar Regiment, without asking permission of any one, turned his horse towards the hill, put his pistol to the ear of the victim, and with a shot put an end to his torments. All trembled at the bold act, which was in contempt of all military discipline, and, knowing the Prince's sternness, they thought the youth was certainly lost. The Prince, however, said nothing, and acted as if he had heard nothing or was deeply sunk in thought. In fact he rode forward in silence, and it was not until evening that he had the youth brought before him. The lad, half dead with fear, stood before his master, and thought that the earth was opening beneath his feet to swallow him. The Prince asked him, What is your name? Tell you, Ski, you shot the Cossack. Yes, I stammered the youth who was as white as chalk. Why did you do that? I could not see him suffer. Instead of being angry, the Prince answered, Oh, you will yet see the deeds at sight of which the Angel of Compassion will flee from you. But as you have risked your life for the sake of compassion, the treasurer in Lupini shall pay you out ten golden crowns, and I will take you into my own service. All were astonished that this matter should have ended, thus presently the news arrived that the advance guard were coming from Zolotanosha, and attention was turned in another direction.