The enemy, however, being extended over a longer line, were less exposed to bullets.
The battle was becoming more stubborn and more active, and the enemy did not cease to attack the gate.
Billevich was growing uneasy. On the right flank he had a field behind him still free, ending with a stream not very wide, but deep and swampy, through which a passage, especially if in haste, might be difficult. In one place only was there a trodden road to a flat shore along which villagers drove cattle to the forest.
The sword-bearer began to look around oftener toward that side. All at once among willows which could be seen through, for they had lost their leaves, he saw in the evening light glittering weapons and a dark cloud of soldiers.
“Babinich is coming!” thought he.
But at that moment Pan Hjanstovski, who led the cavalry, rushed up to him.
“Swedish infantry are visible from the river!” cried he, in terror.
“Some treason!” cried Pan Tomash. “By Christ’s wounds, gallop with your cavalry against that infantry; otherwise it will attack us on the flank.”
“There is a great force!” answered Hjanstovski.
“Oppose it even for an hour, and we will escape in the rear to the forests.”