“And besides we shall take Halshka[[16]] with the children, for we must go right through the wilderness.”
“And we shall serve among soldiers, not among militia,” added Stanislav.
“And we shall fight, not debate, nor eat chickens and cheese in the villages.”
“I see that not only in war, but in council you can hold the first place,” said Stanislav.
“Well, are you satisfied?”
“In truth, in truth,” said Yan, “that is the best advice. We shall be with Michael as before; you will know, Stanislav, the greatest soldier in the Commonwealth, my true friend, my brother. We will go now to Halshka, and tell her so that she too may be ready for the road.”
“Does she know of the war already?” asked Zagloba.
“She knows, she knows, for in her presence Stanislav told about it first. She is in tears, poor woman! But if I say to her that it is necessary to go, she will say straightway. Go!”
“I would start in the morning,” cried Zagloba.
“We will start in the morning and before daybreak,” said Yan. “You must be terribly tired after the road, Stanislav, but you will rest before morning as best you can. I will send horses this evening with trusty men to Byala, to Lostsi, to Drohichyn and Byelsk, so as to have relays everywhere. And just beyond Byelsk is the wilderness. Wagons will start to-day also with supplies. It is too bad to go into the world from the dear corner, but ’tis God’s will! This is my comfort: I am safe as to my wife and children, for the wilderness is the best fortress in the world. Come to the house, gentlemen; it is time for me to prepare for the journey.”