“God reward you for the permission!” answered the voevoda, with a laugh.
Other officers seconded the voevoda’s laugh. He was preparing to start, for the carriage was under the window; he took farewell of all, therefore, giving each instructions what to do during his absence; then approaching Volodyovski, he said,—
“If the castle surrenders you will answer to me for the life of the voevoda.”
“According to order! a hair will not fall from his head,” said the little knight.
“Pan Michael,” said Zagloba to him, after the departure of the voevoda, “I am curious to know what persons are urging our Sapyo[[2]] not to let Radzivill live when he captures him.”
“How should I know?” answered the little knight.
“If you say that what another mouth does not whisper to your ear your own will not suggest, you tell the truth! But they must be some considerable persons, since they are able to command the voevoda.”
“Maybe it is the king himself.”
“The king? If a dog bit the king he would forgive him that minute, and give him cheese in addition. Such is his heart.”
“I will not dispute about that; but still, do they not say that he is greatly incensed at Radzivill?”