"Wait," he said. "I'll be back soon."
Joseph grasped his arm as he made for the door, and he saw how haggard his face was and how wild his eyes. Calm, self-contained Joseph had vanished; he was the incarnation of tragedy.
"For the love of God don't tell them," he muttered huskily.
"I'm not mad."
"Then where are you going?"
"To the chapel--for the Sacred Vessels."
He hastily prayed God to forgive him for using His Vessels to hide the truth; but could not tell the boy the real reason for his sudden departure. Outside, he had to explain to the sentries, who said they supposed it would be all right, only he must bring a permit if he wanted to go into the room again.
It took him some time to find an officer, who said that Rennenkampf had left Ruvno half an hour ago.
"But somebody must be in charge," he said, for the place swarmed with troops.
"I am," he snapped. He was a hard-faced, battered-looking man, hated the Poles and believed every Catholic priest a Jesuit, bent on his neighbor's destruction for the benefit of his Order. Father Constantine stated his case, after he had promised to respect the confidence. He yawned through most of the story; but when he heard that Roman Skarbek had been ordered to shoot his own brother, his narrow eyes flashed with rage.