“But where is the king?”
“At the end of the pass.”
“Who is speaking, for I cannot see?”
“Tyzenhauz. But what is that great bundle which you have before you?” And he pointed to some dark form hanging before Kmita, on the front of the saddle.
Pan Andrei made no answer, but rode on. When he had reached the king’s escort, he recognized the person of the king, for it was much clearer beyond the pass, and cried,—
“Gracious Lord, the road is open!”
“Are there no Swedes in Jivyets?”
“They have gone to Vadovitsi. That was a party of German mercenaries. But here is one of them, Gracious Lord; ask him yourself.” And Pan Andrei pushed to the ground that form which he held before him, so that a groan was heard in the still night.
“Who is that?” asked the astonished king.
“A horseman!”