At last Kvasibrotski said, “We must raise the white flag. I will muster the men.”
Here and there the words of command were heard. The soldiers began to take their places in ranks, and shoulder arms. The clatter of muskets and the measured tread roused echoes in the silent castle.
Ketling pushed up to Pan Michael. “Is it time?” inquired he.
“Wait for the commissioners; let us hear the conditions! Besides, I will go down myself.”
“No, I will go! I know the places better; I know the position of everything.”
“The commissioners are returning! The commissioners are returning!”
The three unhappy envoys appeared in the castle after a certain time. They were Grushetski, judge of Podolia, the chamberlain Revuski, and Pan Myslishevski, banneret of Chernigoff. They came gloomily, with drooping heads; on their shoulders were gleaming kaftans of gold brocade, which they had received as gifts from the vizir.
Volodyovski was waiting for them, resting against a gun turned toward Dlujek. The gun was hot yet, and steaming. All three greeted him in silence.
“What are the conditions?” asked he.
“The town will not be plundered; life and property are assured to the inhabitants. Whoever does not choose to remain has the right to withdraw and betake himself to whatever place may please him.”