“But if he should die of fright?”
“He will not. Take six men and move.”
Lusnia shot away. The others were glad to do something for the lady; they ran to saddle the horses, and in a few “Our Fathers” six men were racing to Kamenyets. After them others took additional horses, to be disposed along the road.
Zagloba, satisfied with himself, returned to the house.
After a while Pan Michael came out of the bedroom, changed, half conscious, indifferent to words of sympathy and consolation. When he had informed Zagloba that Basia was sleeping continually, he dropped on the bench, and gazed with wandering look on the door beyond which she was lying. It seemed to the officers that he was listening; therefore all restrained their breathing, and a perfect stillness settled down in the room.
After a certain time Zagloba went on tiptoe to the little knight.
“Michael,” said he, “I have sent to Kamenyets for a doctor; but maybe it is well to send for some one else?”
Volodyovski was collecting his thoughts, and apparently did not understand.
“For a priest,” said Zagloba. “Father Kaminski might come by morning.”
The little knight closed his eyes, turned toward the fire, his face as pale as a kerchief, and said in a hurried voice,—