“I know; I succeeded in snatching a part of that silver from their hands, indeed the greater part. It is here now, and I am thinking what to do with it.”
“This is surely the cause of the anger of the Polish colonels. They say that if the Poles found the silver, it belongs to the Poles.”
“That’s a reason!” cried Count Veyhard.
“For my mind, it is a strong reason,” said Sadovski; “and I think that if you had found the silver you would not feel bound to divide it, not only with the Poles, but even with me, a Cheh.”
“First of all, my dear sir, I do not share your good will for the enemies of our king,” answered the count, with a frown.
“But we, thanks to you, must share with you shame and disgrace, not being able to succeed against a fortress to which you have brought us.”
“Then have you lost all hope?”
“But have you any yourself to give away?”
“Just as if you knew; and I think that these gentlemen share more willingly with me in my hope, than with you in your fear.”
“Do you make me a coward, Count Veyhard?”