CHAPTER IV.
After a mild and foggy night, a windy and gloomy day came. At times thesky was bright, at others it was covered with broken clouds which weredriven before the wind like flocks of sheep. Macko ordered the train tomove by daybreak. The pitch-burner, who was hired as guide to Buda,affirmed that the horses could pass everywhere, but as to the wagons,provisions and baggage, it would be necessary in some places to take themapart and carry them piecemeal, and that could not be done withouttedious work. But people accustomed to hard labor preferred hardship tolounging in the deserted inn. Therefore they moved on willingly. Even thetimid Wit was not scared by the words and presence of the pitch-burner.
They left the inn and entered at once between high-trunked forest trees,free from undergrowth. They led their horses, and could pass alongwithout taking the wagons to pieces. Occasionally a storm arose, and attimes it increased to such extraordinary force that it struck thebranches of the bending pines as with gigantic wings, bending, twistingand shaking and breaking them as it were with the fans of a windmill. Theforest bent under the unchained elements. Even in the intervals betweenthe gusts it did not cease to howl and thunder, as if angry with theirrest at the inn, and the forced march they had undertaken. Now and thenthe clouds entirely obscured the daylight. Drenching rain mingled withhail came down in torrents, and it became as dark as nightfall. Wit wasshort of breath, and shouted that "evil was bent to do harm and is doingit." But nobody paid attention to it, even the timid Anulka did not takehis words to heart because the Bohemian was so near that her stirruptouched his, and he looked ahead with such a brave air that he seemed towant to challenge the very devil.
Behind the tall pine trees where the undergrowth began, the thickets wereimpassable. There they were obliged to take the wagons in sections; theydid it dexterously and quickly. The strong servants transported thewheels, axle-tree, front of the wagon, packages and stores, upon theirshoulders. The bad road continued about three furlongs. However theyarrived at Buda about nightfall; there the pitch-burner received them ashis guests, and they were assured by him that along the Devil's Hollow,correctly speaking, they could reach the town. These people, inhabitantsof the pathless forest seldom saw bread or flour, yet they were notstarving. Because all kinds of smoked meat, especially eels, whichabounded in all swamps and mud holes, they had in plenty. They treatedthem liberally, in exchange, holding out greedy hands for the biscuits.There were among them women and children, all blackened from the smoke.There was also a peasant, more than one hundred years old, who rememberedthe massacre of Lenczyca, which happened in 1331, and the completedestruction of the town by the "Knights of the Cross." Although Macko,the Bohemian, and the two girls, had already heard the narrative from theprior of Sieradz, nevertheless they listened with much interest to thetale of the old man who was sitting at the fireside scraping in thecinders. It seemed as if he discovered among them the events of hisearlier days. At Lenczyca, as well as at Sieradz, they spared not eventhe churches and clergy, and the knives of the conquerors were coveredwith the blood of old men, women and children. Always the Knights of theCross, the everlasting Knights of the Cross! The thoughts of Macko andJagienka were constantly directed toward Zbyszko, who was living in thevery jaws of the wolves, in the midst of a hardened clan who knew neitherpity nor the laws of hospitality. Sieciechowa was faint at heart, becauseshe feared that their hunt after the abbot might lead them among thoseterrible Knights of the Cross.
But the old man, to counteract the unfavorable impression which thestories made upon the women, told them of the battle near Plowce, whichput an end to the incursions of the Knights of the Cross, and in which hetook part as a soldier in the infantry raised by the peasants, and armedwith an iron flail. In that battle perished almost the whole clan of theGradys; Macko knew all the particulars of it, nevertheless he listenednow as though it were a recital of a new terrible calamity caused by theGermans, when like cornfields before the storm they were mowed down bythe sword in the hands of the Polish knighthood and the forces of KingLokietek....
"Ha! I just recollect," said the old man, "when they invaded thiscountry, they burned the town and castles. Yes, they even massacred theinfants in the cradles, but their terrible end came. Hey! It was a finefight. I can see the battle now with my eyes closed...."
He closed his eyes and was silent, gently moving the ashes untilJagienka, who could wait no longer, asked:
"How was it?"
"How was it?..." repeated the old man. "I remember the battlefield, itseems that I am now looking at it; there were bushes, and patches ofstubble to the right. But after the battle nothing was visible butswords, axes, pikes and fine armor, one upon another, as though the wholeblessed land was covered with them.... I have never seen so many slain inone heap, and so much human blood shed...."
Macko's heart was strengthened anew by the recollection of these events,then he said:
"True. Merciful Lord Jesus! They had then encompassed the kingdom like aconflagration or like a plague. Not only Sieradz and Lenczyca, but theydestroyed many other towns. What now? Are not our people mighty andindestructible? And although those dog-brothers, the Knights of theCross, were severely chastised, yet if you cannot crush them they willattack you and break your teeth.... Only see, King Kazimierz rebuiltSieradz and Lenczyca so that they are better now than ever before, yetthe incursions occur there as of old, and the Knights of the Cross arelaid low and rot there as they were at the battle of Plowce. May Godalways grant them such an end!"
When the old peasant heard these words he nodded assent; finally he said:
"Perhaps they don't lie and rot. We of the infantry were ordered by theking, after the battle was over, to dig ditches; the peasants from theneighborhood came to assist us in our labor. We worked industriously, sothat the spades groaned. Then we laid the Germans in trenches and coveredthem well, to avoid pestilence. But they did not remain there."
"What happened? Why did they not remain there?"
"I did not see it, but the people said afterward that after the battlethere came a fierce storm which lasted about twelve weeks, but only atnight-time. The sun shone during the daytime, but at night the wind wasso fierce that it almost tore the hair from off the head. The devils,like thick clouds, came down in great numbers, whirling like a hurricane;every one of them held a pitchfork, and as soon as one of them reachedthe earth he thrust the pitchfork into the ground and carried off oneKnight of the Cross to hell. At Plowce they heard a hurly-burly of humanvoices which sounded like the howling of whole packs of dogs, but theydid not know what it all meant, whether it were the noise of the Germans,who were howling with terror and pain, or the devils with joy. Thatcontinued as long as the trenches were not consecrated by the priest, andthe ground was not frozen, so that there was no need even forpitchforks."
Silence followed for a moment, then the old man added:
"But God grant, Sir Knight, such an end to them as you said, and althoughI shall not live to see it, but such young lasses as these two will live,but they shall not see what mine eyes have seen."
Then he turned his head, now looking at Jagienka, now at Sieciechowa,wondering at their marvelous faces and shaking his head.
"Like poppies in corn," he said. "Such beautiful faces I have neverseen."
Thus they chattered during a part of the night. Then they went to sleepin the shanties and lay down upon mosses as soft as down and coveredthemselves with warm fur; then after a refreshing sleep, they arose earlyin the morning and continued their journey. The road along the hollow wasnot an easy passage, but it was not a very bad road. So that beforesunset they descried the castle of Lenczyca. The city had arisen from itsashes, it was rebuilt; part of it was built of brick and part of stone,its walls were high, the towers armed. The churches were even larger thanthose of Sieradz. There they had no difficulty in getting informationfrom the Dominican friars concerning the abbot. He was there, he saidthat he felt better, and he hoped to recover his health entirely; andonly a few days ago he left f
or his onward journey. Macko was not bent onovertaking him on the road, so he had already procured conveyance forboth girls to Plock, where the abbot himself would have taken them. ButMacko was much concerned about Zbyszko, and other news distressed him.The rivers had arisen after the departure of the abbot, and it wasimpossible to continue the journey. Seeing that the knight wasaccompanied by a considerable retinue and was proceeding to the court ofPrince Ziemowit, the Dominicans offered him their hospitality; they hadeven provided him with an olive-wood tablet upon which there wasinscribed a Latin prayer to the angel Raphael, the patron of travelers.
Their compulsory sojourn at Lenczyca lasted a fortnight, during whichtime a servant of the castle discovered that the two young pagesaccompanying the knight were females in disguise, and at once fell deeplyin love with Jagienka. The Bohemian was about to challenge him at once,but as it happened on the eve of their departure Macko dissuaded him fromtaking such a step.
When they moved on toward Plock, the wind had already somewhat dried theroad, and although it rained often, yet the rainfall, as is usual in thespring, consisted of larger drops, but warm, and of short duration. Thefurrows upon the fields glistened with water. The moist, sweet smell fromthe cultivated fields was wafted by the strong wind. The marshes werecovered with buttercups and the violets blossomed in the woods, and thegrasshoppers joyfully chirped among the branches. The hearts of thetravelers were also filled with new hope and longing, especially as theywere now progressing well. After sixteen days' travel they were at thegates of Plock.
But they arrived at night, when the gates of the city were closed. Theywere obliged to pass the night with a weaver outside the wall.
The girls retired late, and after the fatigue of the long journey theyfell sound asleep, but Macko, who was not troubled by fatigue, got upearly; he did not wish to wake them and he entered the town by himself atthe opening of the gates. He found the cathedral and the bishop'sresidence without difficulty. There he was informed that the abbot haddied a week ago, but according to the prevailing custom they hadcelebrated mass before the coffin from the sixth day, and the funeral wasto take place on the day of Macko's arrival, after which would beobsequies and last honors in memory of the defunct.
Owing to intense grief, Macko did not even look about the town, but heknew something already from that time when he had passed through thatcity with a letter from the princess Alexandra to the grand master. Hereturned to the weaver's place as fast as he could, and on his way homehe said to himself:
"Ha! He is dead. Eternal repose to him. There is nothing in the world toremedy it. But now what shall I do with the girls?"
Then he reflected whether it were not better to leave them with theprincess Alexandra, or with the princess Anna Danuta, or to take them toSpychow. It struck him more than once, that if Danuska were dead, itwould be advisable to have Jagienka close to Zbyszko at Spychow, sinceZbyszko, who loved Danuska above all other things would greatly mournafter his beloved. He was also sure that Jagienka's presence at Zbyszko'sside would have the desired effect. He also remembered that Zbyszko inhis boyhood, although his heart was after the woods in Mazowsze, wasconstantly longing for Jagienka. For these reasons, and fully believingthat Danusia was lost, he often thought that in case of the abbot'sdemise, he would not send Jagienka to any other place; but as he wasgreedy to acquire landed property, he was therefore concerned about theproperty of the abbot. Surely, the abbot was displeased with them andpromised to bequeath nothing to them; but after that he must have feltsorry and, before he died left something for Jagienka. He was sure thatthe abbot had bequeathed something to her, because he frequently spokeabout it at Zgorzelice, and he would not overlook Zbyszko on account ofJagienka. Macko was also thinking of remaining for sometime at Plock, soas to investigate the will and attend to the matter, but other thoughtscrossed his mind, and he said: "Should I longer be here looking afterproperty, whilst my boy yonder is stretching out his hand and waiting formy help from some Knight of the Cross dungeon?"
In truth, there was only one course, and that was: to leave Jagienkaunder the care of the princess and the bishop, and beg them to look afterher interest. But that plan did not please Macko. The girl has alreadyconsiderable property of her own, and when her estate is increased bythat which the abbot has bequeathed her, then as sure as there is a Godsome Mazur will take her, for she cannot hold out any longer. Zych, herdefunct father, used to say of her, that she was in danger[112] eventhen. In such case, the old knight thought that both Danusia and Jagienkamight fail Zbyszko. That of course was not to be thought of.
He will take one of the two, whichever God had decreed. Finally that planto rescue Zbyszko he preferred to the others; and as to Jagienka, heresolved either to leave her in the care of Princess Danuta, or atSpychow, but not at the court at Plock where there was much glitter, andwhich was filled with handsome knights.
Overwhelmed with these thoughts, he proceeded quickly to the dwelling ofthe weaver, to inform Jagienka of the abbot's death. He was determinednot to break the news to her suddenly, as it might greatly endanger herhealth. When he reached home both ladies were properly dressed andappeared as gay as birds; he sat down and ordered the servants to bringhim a jug of brown beer; then he assumed a doleful air, and said:
"Do you hear the bells ringing in town? Guess, why are they ringing,since to-day is not Sunday, and you slept during matins. Would you liketo see the abbot?"
"Surely! What a question?" answered Jagienka.
"Well, you shall see him as the king sees Cwiek."[113]
"Has he left the city?"
"He has left, but do you not hear the bells ringing?"
"Is he dead?" exclaimed Jagienka.
"Yes! say 'God rest his soul.' ..."
Both ladies knelt down and began to chant: "God rest his soul," in abell-like voice. Then tears streamed down Jagienka's cheeks, for she wasvery fond of the abbot, who, though of a violent temper, never harmedanybody, but did much good; he specially loved Jagienka, for he was hergodfather, he loved her as one loves his own daughter. Macko rememberedthat the abbot was related to him and Zbyszko; he was also moved to tearsand even cried. After his grief had subsided a little, he took the ladiesand the Bohemian with him and went to the funeral services in the church.
It was a magnificent funeral. The bishop himself, Jacob of Kurdwanow,conducted it. There were present all the priests and monks of the dioceseof Plock, all the bells were ringing, and prayers were said which noneelse but the clergy understood, for they were said in the Latin. Then theclergy and the laity went to the banquet at the bishop's palace.
Macko and his two girls (disguised as boys) also went to the banquet; he,as a relative of the deceased, and known to the bishop, was fullyentitled to be present. The bishop also willingly received him as such,but immediately after the invitation he said to Macko:
"There is here a bequest of some forests for the Gradys of Bogdaniec. Therest he did not bequeath to the abbey and the cloister, but to hisgoddaughter, a certain Jagienka of Zgorzelice."
Macko, who did not expect much, was glad for the woodlands. The bishopdid not observe that one of the youths accompanying the old knight at thementioning of the name of Jagienka of Zgorzelice lifted up her tearfuleyes, and said:
"May God recompense him, but I wish he were alive."
Macko turned and said angrily:
"Be silent, otherwise you will shame yourself."
But he suddenly stopped, his eyes glistened with amazement, then his faceassumed wolfish fierceness, when at a distance from him opposite thedoor, through which the princess Alexandra had just entered, he observedthe figure, dressed in court uniform, of Kuno of Lichtenstein, the veryman by whom Zbyszko had nearly lost his life in Krakow.
Jagienka had never seen Macko in such a condition. His face wascontracted like the jaws of a fierce dog, his teeth glistened beneath hismoustache, and in a moment he tightened his belt and moved toward thehateful Knight of the Cross.
But when about midway he checked hi
mself and began to pass his broadhands through his hair; he reflected in time, that Lichtenstein mightonly be a guest in the court of Plock, or an envoy, therefore, if he wereto strike him without apparent reason, the very thing which happened toZbyszko on his way from Tyniec to Krakow might be repeated here.
Thus possessing more reason than Zbyszko, he restrained himself, adjustedthe belt to its previous place, relaxed the muscles of his face andwaited, and when the princess, after greeting Lichtenstein, entered intoa conversation with the bishop, Macko approached her and bowed deeply. Hereminded her who he was, and that he had been once engaged in the serviceof his benefactress as the carrier of letters.
The princess did not recognize him at first, but she remembered theletters and the whole affair. She also was acquainted with theoccurrences in the neighboring Mazovian court. She had heard of Jurand,of the imprisonment of his daughter, of Zbyszko's marriage, and of hisdeadly fight with Rotgier. These things interested her greatly, so muchso that it seemed to her one of those knight-errant stories or one of theminstrel songs in Germany, and the _rybalt_ songs in Mazowsze. Indeed,the Knights of the Cross were not inimical to her, as they were toprincess Anna Danuta, the wife of Prince Janusz, more especially becausethey wished to get her on their side, they strove to outvie each other inrendering her homage and adulation, and overwhelmed her with munificentgifts, but in the present case her heart beat for her favorite, whom shewas ready to help; above all, she was glad that she had before her a manwho could give her an accurate account of the events.
But Macko, who had already resolved to obtain, by whatever meanspossible, the protection and the princely influence, seeing that she waslistening attentively, told her Zbyszko's and Danusia's ill luck. Thenarrative brought tears to her eyes, specially when she felt more thananybody the misfortune of her niece, and from her very soul she pitiedher.
"I have never heard a more woeful story," said the princess, at last,"the greatest sorrow to my mind is, that he has married her, that she wasalready his, yet he knew no happiness. However, are you sure that he knewher not."
"Hey! Almighty God!" exclaimed Macko. "If he only knew her, he wasbed-ridden when he married her in the evening, and the following morningshe was carried off."
"And, do you think that the Knights of the Cross did it? It was saidhere, that those who actually did it were robbers, and the Knights of theCross recaptured her, but it turned out to be another girl. They alsospoke of a letter which Jurand had written...."
"Human justice did not decide it, but divine. That was a great thing,that knight Rotgier, who conquered the strongest, fell by the hand of acomparative child."
"Well, a fine child he is," said the princess, with a smile, "his valoris a safeguard in his travels. It is a grievance, true, and yourcomplaints are just, but three out of those four opponents are dead, andthe remaining old one has also, according to the information I havereceived, been nearly killed."
"And Danuska? And Jurand?" replied Macko. "Where are they? God only knowswhether something ill has happened to Zbyszko, who was on the road toMalborg."
"I know, but the Knights of the Cross are not such out-and-outdog-brothers as you think them to be. In Malborg nothing evil can happento your nephew, whilst he is at the side of the grand master and hisbrother Ulrych, who is an honorable knight. Your nephew undoubtedly isprovided with letters from Prince Janusz. Unless whilst there hechallenged one of the knights and succumbed. At Malborg there are alwayspresent a great number of the most valorous knights from all parts of theworld."
"Ay! My nephew does not fear them much," said the old knight. "If theyonly did not cast him in prison, or kill him treacherously, as long as hehas an iron weapon in his hand he is not afraid of them. Only once hefound himself facing one stronger than himself, but he stretched him inthe lists, and that was the Mazovian Prince Henryk who was bishop hereand who was enamored of the handsome Ryngalla. But Zbyszko was then amere youth. For this reason he would be the only one, as sure as amen inprayer, to challenge this one whom I also have vowed to challenge and whois present here."
Saying this, he glanced in the direction of Lichtenstein, who wasconversing with the governor (Waywode) of Plock.
But the princess wrinkled her brow and said in stern and dry tones, asshe always did when in an angry mood:
"Whether you vowed or not, you must remember that he is our guest andwhosoever wishes to be our guest must observe decorum."
"I know, most gracious lady," replied Macko. "For that reason when Iadjusted my belt and went to meet him, I restrained myself and thought ofobedience."
"He will obey. He is important among his own people, even the masterbuilds upon his counsel and nothing is denied to him. May God grant thatyour nephew does not meet him at Malborg, especially as Lichtenstein is adetermined and revengeful person."
"He could not well recognize me because he did not see me often. We hadhelmets on when we were at Tyniec, after that I went only once to see himin the Zbyszko affair and that was in the evening. I observed just nowthat he looked at me, but seeing that I was engaged in a lengthyconversation with Your Grace, he turned his eyes in an oppositedirection. He would have recognized Zbyszko, but he only looked at me andvery likely he did not hear of my vow, and has to think of more importantchallenges."
"How so?"
"Because it may be that other powerful knights challenged him, such asZawisza of Garbow, Powala of Taczew, Marcin of Wrocimowice, PaszkoZlodziej, and Lis of Targowisko. Every one of those, gracious lady, andten like them. So much the more so if they are numerous. It would bebetter for him not to have been born, than to have one of those swordsover his head. I shall not only try to forget the challenge, but I haveresolved to endeavor to go with him."
"Why?"
Macko's face assumed a cunning expression like that of a fox.
"That he might give me a safe conduct to travel through the countrybelonging to the Knights of the Cross, that will enable me to renderassistance to Zbyszko in case of need."
"Does such proceeding deserve praise?" inquired the princess with asmile.
"Yes! It does," replied Macko. "If for instance in time of war I were toattack him from the rear without warning him to face me I should disgracemyself; but in time of peace if one hangs the enemy upon a hook no knightneed be reproached for such an act."
"Then I will introduce you," replied the princess. She beckoned toLichtenstein and introduced Macko; she was of opinion that even ifLichtenstein should recognize Macko nothing serious would result.
But Lichtenstein did not recognize him, because when he had seen him atTyniec he had his helmet on, and after that he had spoken to Macko onlyonce, and that in the evening, when Macko had begged him to forgiveZbyszko.
However he bowed proudly, the more so because when he saw the twoexquisitely dressed youths, he thought that they were not Macko's, hisface brightened up a little and he assumed a haughty demeanor as healways did when he spoke to inferiors.
Then the princess pointing at Macko, said: "This knight is going toMalborg. I have given him a recommendation to the grand master, but heheard of your great influence in the Order; he would also like to have anote from you."
Then she went to the bishop, but Lichtenstein fixed his cold, steely eyesupon Macko, and asked:
"What motive induces you, sir, to visit our religious and sober capital?"
"An upright and pious motive," replied Macko, looking at Lichtenstein."If it were otherwise the gracious princess would not have vouched forme. But apart from pious vows, I wish also to know your grand master, whocauses peace in the land and who is the most celebrated knight in theworld."
"Those whom your gracious and beneficent princess recommends will notcomplain of our poor hospitality. Nevertheless, as far as your wishes toknow the master is concerned, it is not an easy matter. About a mouthago, he left for Danzig, thence he was to go to Koenigsberg, and from thatplace proceed to the frontier, where, although a lover of peace, he isobliged to defend the property of the Order aga
inst the violence of thetreacherous Witold."
Hearing this, Macko was apparently so much grieved, that Lichtenstein,who noticed it, said:
"I see that you were quite as anxious to see the grand master as tofulfil your religious vows."
"Yes! I am, I am," replied Macko. "Is war against Witold a sure thing?"
"He, himself, began it; he has sworn to help the rebels."
There was silence for a moment.
"Ha! May God help the Order as it deserves!" said Macko. "I see I cannotmake the grand master's acquaintance; let me at least fulfil my vow."
But in spite of these words, he did not know what to do, and with deepgrief he asked himself:
"Where shall I look for Zbyszko, and where shall I find him?"
It was easy to foresee that if the grand master had left Malborg and goneto war, it was useless to look for Zbyszko there. In any case it wasnecessary to get the most accurate information of his whereabouts. OldMacko was very anxious about it, but he was a man of ready resource, andhe resolved to lose no time, but continue his march next morning. Havingobtained a letter from Lichtenstein with the aid of Princess Alexandra inwhom the _comthur_ had boundless confidence, it was not a difficult taskto obtain. He therefore received a recommendation to the _starosta_ ofBrodnic, and to the Grand Szpitalnik of Malborg, for which he presented asilver goblet to Lichtenstein, a treasure procured in Breslau, like thatwhich the knights were accustomed to have near their beds filled withwine, so that in case of sleeplessness they might have at hand a remedyfor sleep and at the same time pleasure. This act of Macko's liberalitysomewhat astonished the Bohemian, who knew that the old knight was nottoo eager to lavish presents on anybody, especially on Germans, but Mackosaid:
"I did it because I have vowed, and must fight him, and by no means couldI do it to one who has done me some service. To recompense good with evilis not our custom."
"But such a magnificent goblet! It is a pity," replied the Bohemian,apparently vexed.
"Don't fear. I do nothing without premeditation," said Macko; "for if theLord enables me to overthrow (kill) that German, I shall get back notonly the goblet, but a great many good things I shall acquire with it."
Then they, including Jagienka, began to take counsel among themselvesconcerning further action. Macko thought of leaving Jagienka andSieciechowa with Princess Alexandra at Plock, owing to the abbot's will,which was in the possession of the bishop. But Jagienka was entirelyopposed to it; she was even determined to travel by herself; there was nonecessity to have a separate room for night quarters, neither to observepoliteness, nor safety, and various other causes. "Surely I did not leaveZgorzelice to rusticate at Plock. The will is at the bishop's and cannotbe lost, and as far as they are concerned, when it will be shown thatthere is need to remain on the road, it will be of greater advantage tobe left in the care of Princess Anna, than with Princess Alexandra,because at the former court the Knights of the Cross are not frequentvisitors, and Zbyszko is more appreciated there." Upon that Macko trulyobserved that reason does not belong to women, and that it is unbecomingfor a girl "to command" as though she possessed reason. Nevertheless hedid not persist in his opposition, and relented entirely when Jagienkahad taken him aside and, with tears in her eyes, said:
"You know!... God sees my heart, that every morning and evening I prayfor that young lady, Danuska, and for Zbyszko's welfare. God in heavenknows it best. But you and Hlawa said that she had perished already, thatshe would never escape the hands of the Knights of the Cross alive.Therefore if this has to be so, then I...."
Here she somewhat hesitated and tears streamed down her cheeks and shebecame silent.
"Then I want to be near Zbyszko...."
Macko was moved by the tears and words, yet he replied:
"If Danusia is lost, Zbyszko will be so much grieved, that he will carefor none else."
"I don't wish that he should care for me, but I would like to be nearhim."
"You know well that I should like to be myself near him as well as youdo, but he would in the first instance be unmindful of you."
"Let him be unmindful. But he will not be," she replied, with a smile,"for he will not know that it was myself."
"He will recognize you."
"He will not know me. You did not recognize me. You will tell him toothat it was not I but Jasko, and Jasko is exactly like myself. You willtell him that I have grown up and it will never occur to him that it isanybody else but Jasko...."
Then the old knight remembered somebody upon his knees before him andthat kneeling one had the appearance of a boy; then there was no harm init, specially that Jasko really had exactly the same face, and his hairafter the last cutting had again grown up and he carried it in a net justas other noble young knights. For this reason Macko gave way, and theconversation turned to matters concerning the journey. They were to starton the following day. Macko decided to enter into the country of theKnights of the Cross, to draw near to Brodnic to get information there,and if the grand master was still, in spite of Lichtenstein's opinion, atMalborg, to proceed there, and if not there, to push on along thefrontiers of the country of the Knights of the Cross in the direction ofSpychow, inquiring along the road about the Polish knight and his suit.The old knight even expected that he would easily get more information ofZbyszko at Spychow, or at the court of Prince Janusz of Warsaw, thanelsewhere.
Accordingly, they moved on the following day. Spring was fully usheredin, so that the floods of the Skrwy and Drwency obstructed the way, somuch so that it took them ten days to travel from Plock to Brodnic. Thelittle town was orderly and clean. But one could see at a glance theGerman barbarity by the enormously constructed gallows,[114] which waserected out of town on the road to Gorczenice, and which was occupied bythe hanging corpses of the executed, one of which was the body of awoman. Upon the watch-tower and upon the castle floated the flag with thered hand on a white field. The travelers did not find the count at home,because he was at the head of the garrison which was drafted of theneighboring noblemen, at Malborg. That information Macko got from a blindold Knight of the Cross, who was formerly the count of Brodnic, but lateron he attached himself to the place and castle, and he was the last ofhis line. When the chaplain of the place read Lichtenstein's letter tothe count, he invited Macko as his guest; he was very familiar with thePolish language, because he lived in the midst of a Polish population,and they easily carried on their conversation in that language. In thecourse of their conversation Macko was informed that the count had leftfor Malborg six weeks before, being summoned as an experienced knight toa council of war. Moreover he knew what happened in the capital. When hewas asked about the young Polish knight, he had heard of such a one, hesaid, who at first had roused admiration because, in spite of hisyouthful appearance, he already appeared as a belted knight. Then he wassuccessful at a tourney which, according to custom, the grand masterordained, for foreign guests, before his departure for the war. Little bylittle he even remembered that the manly and noble, yet violent brotherof the master, Ulrych von Jungingen, had become very fond of the youngknight and had taken him under his care, provided him with "ironletters," after which the young knight apparently departed toward theeast. Macko was overjoyed at the news, because he had not the slightestdoubt that the young knight was Zbyszko. It was therefore useless to goto Malborg, for although the grand master, as well as other officials ofthe Order, and knights who remained at Malborg might furnish moreaccurate information, they could by no means tell where Zbyszko actuallywas. On the other hand Macko himself knew better where Zbyszko might befound, and it was not difficult to suppose that he was at that momentsomewhere in the neighborhood of Szczytno; or in case he had not foundDanusia there, he was making research in distant eastern castles andcounty seats.
Without losing any more time, they also moved toward the east andSzczytno. They progressed well on the road, the towns and villages wereconnected by highways which the Knights of the Cross, or rather themerchants of the towns, kept in good condi
tion, and which were as good asthe Polish roads, which were under the care of the thrifty and energeticKing Kazimierz. The weather was excellent, the nights were serene, thedays bright, and about noon a dry and warm zephyr-like wind blew whichfilled the human breast with health-giving air. The cornfields assumed agreen hue, the meadows were covered with abundant flowers, and the pineforests began to emit a smell of rosin. Throughout the whole journey toLidzbark, thence to Dzialdowa, and further on to Niedzborz, they did notsee a single cloud. But at Niedzborz they encountered a thunderstorm atnight, which was the first one of the spring, but it lasted only a shorttime, and in the morning it cleared up and the horizon was brightenedwith rosy golden hues. It was so brilliant that the land, as far as theeye could reach, appeared like one carpet brocaded with jewels. It seemedas though the whole country smiled back to the sky and rejoiced becauseof abundant life.
In such a pleasant morning they wended their course from Niedzborz toSzczytno. It was not far from the Mazovian frontier. It was an easymatter to return to Spychow. There was a moment when Macko wanted to doit, but considering the whole matter he desired to push onward toward theterrible nest of the Knights of the Cross, in which Zbyszko's loss wasterribly guarded. He then engaged a guide and ordered him to lead themdirectly to Szczytno; although there was no need of a guide, because theroad from Niedzborz was a straight one, marked with white milestones.
The guide was a few steps in advance. Behind him were Macko and Jagienkaon horseback; some distance behind them were the Bohemian andSieciechowa, and farther back were the wagons surrounded by armed men. Itwas an exquisite morning. The rosy glow had not yet disappeared from thehorizon, although the sun had already risen and changed into opals thedewdrops upon the trees and grasses.
"Are you not afraid to go to Szczytno?" asked Macko.
"I am not afraid," replied Jagienka, "God is with me, because I am anorphan."
"There is no faith there. The worst dog was Danveld whom Jurand killedtogether with Godfried.... The Bohemian told me so. The second afterDanveld, was Rotgier, who succumbed by Zbyszko's axe, but the old man isa ruthless tyrant, and is sold to the devil.... They know not kindness.However, I am of opinion that if Danuska has perished she did so by hisown hands. They also say that something happened to her. But the princesssaid in Plock that she extricated herself. It is with him that we shallhave to contend at Szczytno.... It is well that we have a letter fromLichtenstein, and as it appears they, the dog-brothers, are afraid of himmore than they are of the master himself.... They say that he has greatauthority and is particularly strict, and is very revengeful, he neverforgives even the slightest offence.... Without this safe conduct I wouldnot travel so peacefully to Szczytno...."
"What is his name?"
"Zygfried von Loeve."
"God grant that we may manage him too."
"God grant it!"
Macko smiled for a moment and then said:
"The princess also told me in Plock: 'Ye grieve and complain like lambsagainst wolves, but in this instance three of the wolves are dead,because the innocent lambs strangled them.' She spoke the truth; it isactually so."
"What about Danuska and her father?"
"I told the princess the very same thing. But I am really glad, since itis demonstrated that it is not safe to harm us. We know already how tohandle the helve of an axe, and fight with it. As to Danuska and Jurand,it is true, I think, and so does the Bohemian, that they are no more inthis world, but in reality nobody can tell. I am very sorry for Jurand,for he grieved very much for his daughter, and if he perished, it was ahard death."
"If such a thing is mentioned to me," said Jagienka, "I always think ofpapa, who also is no more."
Then she lifted up her eyes and Macko nodded his head and said:
"He rests with God in everlasting bliss, for there is not a better manthan he was in our whole kingdom...."
"Oh there was none like him, none!" sighed Jagienka.
Further conversation was interrupted by the guide, who suddenly checkedhis stallion, turned and galloped toward Macko and shouted in a strangeand frightened voice:
"O, for God's sake! Look there, Sir Knight; who is there on the hillsideadvancing toward us?"
"Who? Where?" asked Macko.
"Look there! A giant or something of that kind...."
Macko and Jagienka reined in their horses, looked in the directionindicated by the guide, and they indeed descried, about the middle of thehill, a figure, which appeared to be of more than human proportions.
"To tell the truth the man seems to be huge," murmured Macko.
Then he frowned, and suddenly spat and said:
"Let the evil charm be upon the dog."
"Why are you conjuring?" asked Jagienka.
"Because I remember that it was on just such a fine morning when Zbyszkoand I were on the road from Tyniec to Krakow we saw such a giant. Theysaid then that it was Walgierz Wdaly. Bah! It was shown afterward that itwas the lord of Taczew. Still, nothing good resulted from it. Let theevil charm be upon the dog."
"This one is not a knight, because he is not on horseback," saidJagienka, straining her eyes. "I even see that he is not armed, but holdsa staff in his left hand...."
"And he is groping in front of him, as though it were night."
"And can hardly move; surely he must be blind?"
"As sure as I live, he is blind--blind!"
They urged their horses forward, and in a little while they halted infront of the beggar who was slowly coming down the hill and feeling hisway with his staff. He was indeed an immense old man, and appeared tothem, even when they were near him, a giant. They were convinced that hewas stone blind. Instead of eyes he had two red hollows. His right handwas wanting; instead of it he carried a bandage of dirty rags. His hairwas white and falling down upon his shoulders, and his beard reached hisbelt.
"He has neither food, nor companion, not even a dog, but is feeling theway by himself," exclaimed Jagienka. "For God's sake, we cannot leave himhere without assistance. I do not know whether he will understand me, butI shall try to talk to him in Polish."
Then she jumped from her horse and approached the beggar, and began tolook for some money in her leather pouch which was suspended from herbelt.
The beggar, when he heard the noise and tramping of the horses, stretchedhis staff in front of him and lifted up his head as blind men do.
"Praised be Jesus Christ," said the girl. "Do you understand, littlegrandfather, in the Christian fashion?"
But on hearing her sweet, young voice, he trembled; a strange flushappeared on his face as though from tender emotion; he covered his holloworbits with his eyebrows, and suddenly threw down his staff and fell onhis knees, with outstretched arms, in front of her.
"Get up! I will assist you. What ails you?" asked Jagienka inastonishment.
But he did not reply, but tears rolled down his cheeks, and he groaned:
"A!--a!--a!..."
"For the love of God--Can you not say something?"
"A!--a!"
Then he lifted up his hand, with which he made first the sign of thecross, then passed his left hand over his mouth.
Jagienka understood it not, and she looked at Macko, who said:
"He seems to indicate that his tongue has been torn out."
"Did they tear out your tongue?" asked the girl.
"A! a! a! a!" repeated the beggar several times, nodding his head.
Then he pointed with his fingers to his eyes; then he moved his left handacross his maimed right, showing that it was cut off.
Then both understood him.
"Who did it?" inquired Jagienka.
The beggar again made signs of the cross repeatedly in the air.
"The Knights of the Cross," shouted Macko.
As a sign of affirmation the old man let his head drop upon his chestagain.
There was silence for a moment. Macko and Jagienka looked at each otherwith alarm, because they had now before them sufficient proof of theircruelty
and the lack of means to chastise those knights who stylethemselves "the Knights of the Cross."
"Cruel justice!" said Macko, finally. "They punished him grievously, andGod knows whether deservedly. If I only knew where he belongs, I wouldlead him there, for surely he must be from this neighborhood. Heunderstands our language, for the common people here are the same as inMazowsze."
"Did you understand what we said?" asked Jagienka.
The beggar nodded his head.
"Are you of this neighborhood?"
"No!" The beggar shook his head.
"Perhaps he comes from Mazowsze?"
"Yes!" he nodded.
"Under Prince Janusz?"
"Yes!"
"But what were you doing among the Knights of the Cross?"
The old man could give no answer, but his face assumed an air of intensesuffering, so much so that Jagienka's heart beat with greater force outof sympathy. Even Macko who was not subject to emotion, said:
"I am sure the dog-brothers have wronged him. May be he is innocent."
Jagienka meanwhile put some small change in the beggar's hand.
"Listen," she said, "we will not abandon you. Come with us to Mazowsze,and in every village we will ask you whether it is yours. May be we shallguess it. Meanwhile, get up, for we are no saints."
But he did not get up, nay, he even bowed lower and embraced her feet asmuch as to place himself under her protection and show his gratitude. Yetthere were marks of certain astonishment, yea even disappointment on hisface. May be that from the voice he thought he was in the presence of ayoung woman; but his hand happened to touch the cowskin gaiters which theknights and armor-bearers were accustomed to wear.
But she said:
"It shall be so; our wagons will soon be here, then you will rest andrefresh yourself. But we are not going to take you now to Mazowszebecause we must first go to Szczytno."
When the old man heard this, he jumped straight up, terror and amazementwere depicted on his face. He opened his arms as though desiring toobstruct their way, and strange, wild ejaculations proceeded from histhroat, full of terror and dismay.
"What is the matter with you?" exclaimed Jagienka, much frightened.
But the Bohemian, who had already arrived with Sieciechowa, and for sometime had his eyes riveted upon the old beggar, suddenly turned to Macko,and with a countenance changed, and in a strange voice, said:
"For God's sake, permit me, sir, to speak to him, for you do not know whohe may be."
After this he begged for no further permission, but rushed toward the oldman, placed his hands upon his shoulders, and asked him:
"Do you come from Szczytno?"
The old man appeared to be struck by the sound of his voice, quietedhimself and nodded affirmatively.
"Did you not look there for your child? ..."
A deep groan was the only reply to this question.
Then the Bohemian's face paled a little, he looked sharply for a momentat the outlines of the old man's face, then he said slowly andcomposedly:
"Then you are Jurand of Spychow."
"Jurand!" shouted Macko.
But Jurand was overcome at that moment and fainted. Protracted torture,want of nourishment, fatigue of the road, swept him from his feet. Thetenth day had now passed since he left, groping his way, erring andfeeling his way with his stick, hungry, fatigued and not knowing where hewas going, unable to ask the way, during the daytime he turned toward thewarm rays of the sun, the night he passed in the ditches along the road.When he happened to pass through a village, or hamlet, or accidentallyencountered people on the road, he only could beg with his hand andvoice, but seldom a compassionate hand helped him, because as a rule hewas taken for a criminal whom law and justice had chastised. For two dayshe had lived on bark and leaves of trees; he was already giving up allhope of reaching Mazowsze, when suddenly compassionate voices and heartsof his own countrymen surrounded him; one of whom reminded him of thesweet voice of his own daughter; and, when at last his own name wasmentioned, he was greatly agitated and unable to bear it any longer; hisheart broke. His thoughts whirled through his head; and, were it not forthe strong arms of the Bohemian which supported him, he would have fallenwith his face in the dust of the road.
Macko dismounted, then both took hold of him, and carried him to thewagons and laid him upon the soft hay. There, Jagienka and Sieciechowanursed him. Jagienka observed that he could not carry the cup of wine tohis lips by himself so she helped him. Immediately after this he fellinto a profound sleep, from which he did not awake till the third day.
Meanwhile they sat down to deliberate.
"To be brief," said Jagienka, "we must go now to Spychow instead ofSzczytno, so that by all means we place him in security among his ownpeople."
"Look, how can that be carried out," replied Macko. "It is true that wemust send him to Spychow, but there is no necessity for all of us toaccompany him, one wagon is enough to carry him there."
"I do not order it, I only think so, because there we might get muchinformation from him about Zbyszko, and Danusia."
"But how can you procure information from one who has no tongue?"
"But the very information that he has no tongue, we got from himself. Doyou not see that even without speech we got all that informationnecessary. How much more shall we derive when we communicate with him bymotions of the head and hands? Ask him, for instance, whether Zbyszko hasreturned from Malborg to Szczytno. You will then see that he will eithernod assent, or deny it."
"It is true," said the Bohemian.
"I too do not dispute it," said Macko. "I know it myself, but I amaccustomed to think first and then talk."
Then he ordered the train to return to the Mazovian frontier. On the wayJagienka visited now and then the wagon where Jurand slept, fearing thatdeath might ensue.
"I did not recognize him," said Macko, "but it is no wonder. He was asstrong as an auroch! They said of him that he was among those who couldfight with Zawisza, and now he is reduced to a skeleton."
"We are accustomed to hear all sorts of things," said the Bohemian, "butnobody would believe it if they were told that Christians had acted thuswith a belted knight, whose patron is also Saint Jerzy."
"God grant that Zbyszko may at least avenge part of his wrongs. Now, lookwhat a difference there is between them and us. It is true, that threeout of those four dog-brothers are dead, but they died in fight, and noneof them had his tongue or his eyes plucked out in captivity."
"God will punish them," said Jagienka.
But Macko turned to the Bohemian and said:
"How did you recognize him?"
"I did not recognize him at first, although I saw him later than you did.But it struck me, and the more I looked at him the more so.... Thoughwhen I first saw him he had neither beard nor white hair; he was then avery powerful lord. How then could I recognize him in the old beggar. Butwhen the young lady said that we were going to Szczytno, and he began tohowl my eyes were opened at once."
Macko was absorbed in thought, then he said:
"From Spychow, it is necessary to take him to the prince, who will notleave the wrong perpetrated on such an important person, unpunished."
"They will excuse themselves. They treacherously abducted his child andthey defended themselves. And as to the lord of Spychow they will saythat he lost his tongue, eyes and hand in the fight."
"You are right," said Macko. "They once carried off the prince himself.He cannot fight them, because he is no match for them; perhaps our kingwill assist him. The people talk and talk of a great war, but here wedon't even have a little one."
"He is with Prince Witold."
"Thank God, that at least he thinks that they are worthless. Hey! PrinceWitold is my prince! In craftiness he is unsurpassable. He is more craftythan all of them together. Those dog-brothers had him cornered once, thesword was over his head and he was about to perish, but, like a serpent,he slipped from their hands and bit them.... Be on your guard when hestr
ikes, but be exceedingly careful when he is patting you."
"Is he so with everybody?"
"He is only so with the Knights of the Cross, but he is a kind andliberal prince with everybody else."
At this Macko pondered, as though making an effort to recall PrinceWitold.
"He is an entirely different man to the prince here," he said, suddenly."Zbyszko ought to have joined him, for under him and through him, onemight achieve the most against the Knights of the Cross."
Then he added:
"Both of us might be found there. Who can tell? For it is there where wecan revenge ourselves most properly."
Then he spoke of Jurand, of his misfortunes and of the unheard ofinjuries, inflicted upon him by the Knights of the Cross, who first,without any cause, murdered his beloved wife, then, revenge for revenge,they carried off his child, and then mangled him in such a cruel manner,that even the Tartars could not invent worse torture. Macko and theBohemian gnashed their teeth at the thought that even when they set himfree it was with malicious intent of inflicting additional cruelty inorder to frustrate the old knight's intention, who most likely promisedhimself that when he was free he would take proper steps to make aninquest and get information of the whole affair, and then pay them outwith interest.
On the journey to Spychow they passed their time in such dialogues andthoughts. The clear fine day was succeeded by a quiet starry night; theytherefore did not halt for night quarters, but stopped thrice to feed thehorses. It was yet dark when they passed the frontier, and in themorning, led by the hired guide, they arrived upon the land of Spychow.
There Tolima apparently held everything with an iron hand, for no soonerdid they enter the forest of Spychow, than two armed men advanced againstthem. These, seeing that the newcomers were not soldiers, but a simpletrain, not only let them pass without questioning, but placed themselvesin front to show the way, which was inaccessible to those unacquaintedwith the moats and marshes.
Tolima and the priest Kaleb received the guests when they arrived intown. The news that the lord had arrived, and was brought back by piouspeople spread like lightning through the garrison. But when they saw himin the condition as he looked when he left the Knights of the Cross,there was such an outburst of raging and wild threatening that if therehad yet been any Knights of the Cross confined in the prison of Spychow,no human power would have been able to save them from a terrible death.
The retainers wished to mount their horses at once and start to thefrontier to capture any Germans and cut off their heads and throw themunder the feet of the master. But Macko restrained them because he knewthat the Germans lived in the towns and cities, whilst the country peoplewere of the same blood, but lived against their own will under foreignsuperior force. But neither the din and noise nor the creaking of thewell-sweeps could awake Jurand, who was carried upon a bearskin into hisown house and put to bed. Father Kaleb was Jurand's intimate friend; theygrew up together and loved each other like brothers; he remained withhim, and prayed that the Redeemer of the world might restore to theunfortunate Jurand, his eyes, tongue, and hand.
The fatigued travelers went to bed also. Macko who awoke about noon,ordered Tolima to be called.
He knew from the Bohemian that Jurand, before his departure, had orderedall his servants to obey their young master, Zbyszko, and that the priesthad informed him of his ownership of Spychow. Macko therefore spoke tothe old man with the voice of a superior:
"I am the uncle of your young master, and as long as he is away, I am thecommander here."
Tolima bowed his grey head, which had something wolfish, and surroundinghis ear with his hand, asked:
"Then you are, sir, the noble knight from Bogdaniec?"
"Yes!" replied Macko. "How do you know it?"
"Because the young master Zbyszko expected and inquired after you here."
Hearing this, Macko stood up straight, and forgetting his dignifiedmanner, he exclaimed:
"What, Zbyszko in Spychow?"
"Yes, he was here, sir; only two days ago since he left."
"For the love of God! Whence did he come and where did he go?"
"He came from Malborg, and on the road he was at Szczytno. He did not saywhere he was going."
"He did not say, eh?"
"May be he told the priest Kaleb."
"Hey! Mighty God, then we crossed each other on the road," he said,putting his hands on his ribs.
But Tolima put his hand to the other ear:
"What did you say, sir?"
"Where is Father Kaleb?"
"He is at the bedside of the old master."
"Call him, but stop ... I will go myself to see him."
"I will call him," said Tolima, and he left. But before he brought thepriest, Jagienka entered.
"Come here," said Macko. "Do you know the news? Zbyszko was here only twodays ago."
Her face changed in a moment and she almost tottered.
"He was, and left?" she asked, with quickly beating heart. "Where to?"
"It is only two days since he left, but where to I do not know. May bethe priest knows."
"We must go after him," she said, peremptorily.
After a while Father Kaleb entered. Thinking that Macko wanted him forinformation concerning Jurand, he anticipated his question by saying:
"He is still asleep."
"I heard that Zbyszko was here?" said Macko.
"He was, but he left two days ago."
"Where to?"
"He did not know himself.... Searching.... He left for the frontier ofZmudz, where there is war now."
"For the love of God, tell us, father, what you know about him!"
"I only know what I heard from himself. He was at Malborg. May be heobtained protection there. Because with the order of the master'sbrother, who is the first among the knights, Zbyszko could search in allcastles."
"For Jurand and Danuska?"
"Yes; but he does not search for Jurand, because he was told that he wasdead."
"Tell us from the beginning."
"Immediately, but let me first catch breath and regain presence of mind,for I come from another world."
"How so?"
"From that world which cannot be reached on horseback, but throughprayer.... I prayed at the feet of the Lord Jesus that He may have mercyupon Jurand."
"You have asked for a miracle. Have you that power?" asked Macko, withgreat curiosity.
"I have no power whatever, but I have a Saviour, who, if He wished, couldrestore to Jurand his eyes, tongue and hand...."
"If He only wanted to do so He could," replied Macko. "Nevertheless youasked for an impossible thing."
Father Kaleb did not reply; possibly because he did not hear it; his eyeswere still closed, as if absent-minded, and in reality it was obviousthat he was meditating on his prayer.
Then he covered his eyes with his hands and remained so for a while insilence. Finally he shook himself, rubbed his eyes with his hands, andsaid:
"Now, ask."
"In what manner did Zbyszko attack the Justice of Sambinsk?"
"He is no more the Justice of Sambinsk...."
"Never mind that.... You understand what I am asking; tell me what youknow about it."
"He fought at a tourney. Ulrych liked to fight in the arena. There weremany knights, guests at Malborg, and the master ordered public games.Whilst Ulrych was on horseback the strap of the saddle broke and it wouldhave been an easy matter for Zbyszko to throw him from his horse; but helowered his spear to the ground and even assisted him."
"Hey! You see!" exclaimed Macko, turning toward Jagienka. "Is this whyUlrych likes him?"
"This is the reason of his love for Zbyszko. He refused to tilt againsthim with sharp weapons, neither with the lance, and has taken a liking tohim. Zbyszko related his trouble to him, and he, being zealous of hisknightly honor, fell into a great passion and led Zbyszko to his brother,the master, to lodge a complaint. May God grant him redemption for thisdeed, for there are not many
among them who love justice. Zbyszko alsotold me that de Lorche, owing to his position and wealth, was of muchhelp to him, and testified for him in everything."
"What was the result of that testimony?"
"It resulted in the vigorous order of the grand master to the _comthur_of Szczytno, to send at once to Malborg all the prisoners who wereconfined in Szczytno, including even Jurand. Concerning Jurand, the_comthur_ replied that he had died from his wounds and was buried therein the church-yard. He sent the other prisoners, including a milkmaid,but our Danusia was not among them."
"I know from the armor-bearer Hlawa," said Macko, "that Rotgier, whomZbyszko killed whilst at the court of Prince Janusz, also spoke in thesame manner about a certain milkmaid whom they captured whom they tookfor Jurand's daughter, but when the princess asked: 'How could theymistake Danusia for a common girl, since they knew and had seen the trueone, Danusia?'" "You are right," he replied, "but I thought they hadforgotten the real Danusia." "This same thing the _comthur_ had writtento the master that that girl was not a prisoner but she was under theircare, that they had at first rescued her from the robbers, who had swornthat she was Jurand's daughter, but transformed."
"Did the master believe it?"
"He did not know whether to believe or not, but Ulrych was more incensedthan ever, and influenced his brother to send an official of the Orderwith Zbyszko to Szczytno, which was done. When they arrived at Szczytno,they did not find the old _comthur_, because he had departed to theeastern strongholds against Witold, to the war; but a subordinate, whomthe magistrate ordered to open all prisons and underground dungeons. Theysearched and searched, but found nothing. They even detained people forinformation. One of them told Zbyszko that he could get much informationfrom the chaplain, because the chaplain understood the dumb executioner.But the old _comthur_ had taken the executioner with him, and thechaplain left for Koenigsberg to attend a religious gathering.... They metthere often in order to lodge complaints against the Knights of the Crossto the pope, because even the poor priests were oppressed by them...."
"I am only surprised that they did not find Jurand," observed Macko.
"It is obvious that the old _comthur_ let him go. There was morewickedness in that than if they had cut his throat. They wished that heshould suffer excruciatingly more than a man of his standing couldendure.--Blind, dumb and maimed.--For God's sake!... He could neitherfind his home, nor the road, not even ask for a morsel of bread.... Theythought that he would die somewhere behind a fence from hunger, or bedrowned in some river.... What did they leave him? Nothing, but the meansof discerning the different degrees of misery. And this meant tortureupon torture.... He might have been sitting somewhere near the church, oralong the road, and Zbyszko passed by without recognizing him. May be heeven heard Zbyszko's voice, but he could not hail him.... Hey!... Icannot keep myself from weeping!... God wrought a miracle, and that isthe reason why I think that He will do a great deal more, although thisprayer proceeds from my sinful lips."
"What else did Zbyszko say? Where did he go to?" asked Macko.
"He said: 'I know that Danuska was at Szczytno, but they have carried heroff, or starved her. Old von Loeve did it, and so help me God, I will notrest until I get him.'"
"Did he say so? Then it is sure that the _comthur_ left for the east, butnow there is war."
"He knew that there was a war, and that is the cause why he left for thecamp of Prince Witold. He also said, he would succeed sooner in scoring apoint against the Knights of the Cross through him, than through theking."
"So, to Prince Witold!" exclaimed Macko.
Then he turned to Jagienka.
"Did I not tell you the very same thing. As I live, I said: 'that weshould also have to go to Witold.' ..."
"Zbyszko hoped," said Father Kaleb, "that Prince Witold would make aninroad into Prussia and take some of the castles there."
"If time were given to him, he would not delay," replied Macko. "PraiseGod now, we know at least where to look for Zbyszko."
"We must press on at once," said Jagienka.
"Silence!" said Macko. "It is not becoming for a boy to interrupt thecouncil."
Then he stared at her, as though to remind her that she was a boy; sheremembered and was silent.
Macko thought for awhile, and said:
"Now we shall surely find Zbyszko, for he is not moving aimlessly; he isat the side of Prince Witold. But it is necessary to know whether he isstill searching for something in this world, besides the heads of theKnights of the Cross which he vowed to get."
"How can that be ascertained?" asked Father Kaleb.
"If we knew that the priest of Szczytno had already returned from thesynod. I should like to see him," said Macko. "I have letters fromLichtenstein to Szczytno and I can go there without fear."
"It was not a synod gathering, but a congress," replied Father Kaleb,"and the chaplain must have returned long ago."
"Very well. Everything is upon my own shoulders. I shall take Hlawa withme, and two servants, with proper horses and go."
"Then to Zbyszko?" asked Jagienka.
"Then to Zbyszko," replied Macko. "But you must wait for me here until Ireturn. I also think that I shall not be detained there for more thanthree or four days. I am accustomed to mosquitoes and fatigue. Therefore,I ask you, Father Kaleb, to give me a letter to the chaplain of Szczytno.He will believe me without hesitation if I show your letter, for there isalways great confidence among the clergy."
"The people speak well of that priest," said Father Kaleb, "and if thereis one who knows something, it is he."
He prepared a letter in the evening, and in the morning, before sunrise,old Macko left Spychow.