“Is it possible that he is such a precious soldier? You pay bountifully, but see that that is sufficient; for surely you would like to ransom something else from me.”
Kmita came a step nearer to the prince, and grew so awfully pale that Boguslav, in spite of himself, looked at the door, and notwithstanding all his daring he changed the subject of conversation.
“Pan Sapyeha will not entertain such an agreement. I should be glad to hold you; but I have guaranteed with my word of a prince your safety.”
“I will write by that soldier to the hetman that I remain of my own will.”
“And he will declare that, in spite of your will, I must send you. You have given him services too great. He will not set Sakovich free, and Sakovich I prize higher than you.”
“Then, your highness, free that soldier, and I will go on my word where you command.”
“I may fall to-morrow; I care nothing for treaties touching the day after.”
“I implore your highness for that man. I—”
“What will you do?”
“I will drop my revenge.”