"Yesterday. He was conducting Pan Grothus; You know, benefactor, the inn called Mordovnia? They stopped there to let their beasts rest. Pan Gideon asked about many things, and he talked also of Yatsek."
"About me?" inquired Yatsek.
"Yes. 'Is it true,' asked he, 'that Tachevski is going to the army?' 'True,' we answered.
"'But when?'
"'Soon, we think.'
"Then Pan Gideon said again: 'That is well. Of course he will join the infantry?'
"At that we all became angry, and Mateush said. 'Do not say that, your grace, for Yatsek is our friend now, and we must be on his side.' And as we began to pant, he restrained himself. 'I do not mention this out of any ill-will, but I know that Vyrambki is not an estate of the crown,'" said he.
"An estate, or not, what is that to him?" cried the priest. "He need not trouble his head with it!"
But it was clear that Pan Gideon thought otherwise, and did trouble his head about Yatsek; for an hour later the youth who brought in a decanter of mead brought a sealed letter also.
"There is a messenger to your grace from Pan Gideon," said he.