Tyzenhauz lost his head for a moment. “See what it is to go with a small party!” cried he to Kmita; “Would that you were killed for such counsel!”
Yan Kazimir began to inquire himself of the fugitives. “But where is the king?”
“The king has gone to the mountains with a great army. Two days ago he passed through Jivyets; they pursued him, and were fighting somewhere near Suha. We have not heard whether they took him or not; but to-day they returned to Jivyets, and are burning and murdering.”
“Go with God!” said Yan Kazimir.
The fugitives shot past quickly.
“See what would have met us had we gone with the dragoons!” exclaimed Kmita.
“Gracious King!” said Father Gembitski, “the enemy is before us. What are we to do?”
All surrounded the monarch, as if wishing to protect him with their persons from sudden danger. The king gazed on that fire which was reflected in his eyes, and he was silent; no one advanced an opinion, so difficult was it to give good advice.
“When I was going out of the country a fire lighted me,” said Yan Kazimir, at last; “and when I enter, another gives light.”
Again silence, only still longer than before.