"Did the prelate tell thee?"
"No! We did not see him. Radom Jews told us; we did not go then to Yedlinka, but moved on at once lest we might miss you. At midnight we heard firing, so we all rushed to give aid, thinking that bandits had fallen upon travellers. It did not occur to us that ye were the persons. God be thanked, God be thanked, that we came up in season!"
"Not bandits attacked us, but the Krepetskis. It is a question of Panna Anulka, who is with us."
"As God lives!" exclaimed Stanislav. "Then I think that his soul will leave Yatsek."
"I wrote to thee about her, but it is evident that my letter did not reach thee."
"No, for we are marching these three weeks. I have not written of late because I had to come hither."
Shouts from the Bukoyemskis, the attendants, and the warriors stopped further converse. At that moment also attendants ran up with lighted torches. A supply had been taken by Pan Serafin that he might have wherewith to give light during darkness. It was as clear on the road as in daylight, and in those bright gleams Yatsek saw the gray horse on which Panna Anulka was sitting.
He grew dumb at sight of her.
"Yes, she is with us," said Father Voynovski, seeing his astonishment.
Then Yatsek urged his horse forward, and halted before her. He uncovered his head, and remained there lost as he looked at her. His face was as white as chalk, his breath had almost left him, and he was speechless.