Babinich put spurs to his horse, sprang forward, and caught it. That same evening Tyzenhauz said to the king,—
“Gracious Lord, this noble pleases me less and less.”
“But me more and more,” answered the king, pursing his lips.
“I heard to-day one of his people call him colonel; he only looked threateningly, and straightway confused the man. There is something in that.”
“And it seems to me sometimes that he does not wish to tell everything,” added the king; “but that is his affair.”
“No, Gracious Lord,” exclaimed Tyzenhauz, forcibly, “it is not his affair, it is our affair, and that of the whole Commonwealth. For if he is some traitor who is planning the death or captivity of your Royal Grace, then with your person will perish all those who at this moment have taken arms; the whole Commonwealth will perish, which you alone are competent to save.”
“I will ask him myself to-morrow.”
“God grant that I be a false prophet, but nothing good looks out of his eyes. He is too smart, too bold, too daring; and such people are ready for anything.”
The king looked troubled. Next morning, when they moved on their journey, he beckoned Kmita to approach him.
“Where were you, Colonel?” asked the king, suddenly.