“Michael,” said he, “tell the truth, did you speak of resistance only to increase courage, or will you be able really to hold out in the castle?”
The little knight shrugged his shoulders. “As God is dear to me! Let the town not surrender, and I will defend the castle a year.”
“Why do you not fire? People are alarmed on that account, and talk of surrender.”
“We do not fire, because we are busy with hand-grenades, which have caused considerable harm in the mines.”
“Listen, Michael, have you in the castle such defence that you could strike at the Russian gate in the rear?—for if, which God prevent, the Turks break through, they will come to the gate. I am watching with all my force; but with townspeople only, without soldiers, I cannot succeed.”
To which the little knight answered: “Fear not, dear brother; I have fifteen cannon turned to that side. Be at rest too concerning the castle. Not only shall we defend ourselves, but when necessary we will give you reinforcement at the gates.”
When he heard this, Makovetski was delighted greatly, and wished to go away, when the little knight detained him, and asked further,—
“Tell me, you are oftener at these councils, do they only wish to try us, or do they intend really to give Kamenyets into the hands of the Sultan?”
Makovetski dropped his head. “Michael,” said he, “answer truly now, must it not end in that? We shall resist awhile yet, a week, two weeks, a month, two months, but the end will be the same.”
Volodyovski looked at him gloomily, then raising his hands cried,—