“And there is Steinbock’s army, and the garrisons, and Wirtz,” put in Pan Stanislav.
“But why do we sit here with folded hands?” asked Roh Kovalski, on a sudden, with staring eyes; “cannot we beat the Swedes?”
“You are foolish, Roh,” said Zagloba.
“Uncle always says one thing; but as I am alive, I saw a boat at the shore. We might go and carry off even the sentry. It is so dark that you might strike a man on the snout and he wouldn’t know who did it; before they could see we should return and exhibit the courage of cavaliers to both commanders. If you do not wish to go, I will go myself.”
“The dead calf moved his tail, wonder of wonders!” said Zagloba, angrily.
But Kmita’s nostrils began to quiver at once. “Not a bad idea! not a bad idea!” said he.
“Good for camp-followers, but not for him who regards dignity. Have respect for yourselves! You are colonels, but you wish to amuse yourselves with wandering thieves!”
“True, it is not very becoming,” added Volodyovski. “We would better go to sleep.”
All agreed with that idea; therefore they kneeled down to their prayers and repeated them aloud; after that they stretched themselves on the felt cloth, and were soon sleeping the sleep of the just.
But an hour later all sprang to their feet, for beyond the river the roaring of guns was heard; while shouts and tumult rose in Sapyeha’s whole camp.