“He died.”
“I thought he would freeze to death,” said Pan Andrei, waving his hand.
“Worthy Colonel,” put in Zagloba, “have you not a certain Roh Kovalski?”
Sadovski laughed: “Of course.”
“Praise be to God and the Most Holy Lady! The lad is alive and I shall get him. Praise be to God!”
“I do not know whether the king will be willing to yield him up,” said Sadovski.
“But why not?”
“Because he has pleased him greatly. He recognized him at once as the same man who had pushed after him with such vigor at Rudnik. We held our sides listening to the narrative of the prisoner. The king asked: ‘Why did you pick me out?’ and he answered, ‘I made a vow.’ Then the king asked again, ‘But will you do so again?’ ‘Of course!’ answered the prisoner. The king began to laugh. ‘Put away your vow,’ said he, ‘and I will give you your life and freedom.’ ‘Impossible!’ ‘Why?’ ‘For my uncle would proclaim me a fool.’ ‘And are you so sure that you could manage me in a hand-to-hand fight?’ ‘Oh, I could manage five men like you,’ said he. Then the king asked again: ‘And do you dare to raise your hand against majesty?’ ‘Yes,’ said he, ‘for you have a vile faith.’ They interpreted every word to the king, and he was more and more pleased, and continued to repeat: ‘This man has pleased me.’ Then wishing to see whether in truth he had such strength, he gave orders to choose twelve of the strongest men in camp and bring them to wrestle in turn with the prisoner. But he is a muscular fellow! When I came away he had stretched out ten one after another, and not a man of them could rise again. We shall arrive just at the end of the amusement.”
“I recognize Roh, my blood!” said Zagloba. “We will give for him even three famous officers!”
“You will find the king in good humor,” said Sadovski, “which is a rare thing nowadays.”