But the Czech, being an intelligent and experienced attendant, looked suspiciously at this peddler of indulgences, and said:
"The wolves devoured your horse?"
"Yes, they devoured him, because they are the devil's relatives. If you have any wine, give me some; although the wind has ceased, yet I am frozen, having sat by the road so long."
The Czech would not give him any wine; and they rode along silently, until the stranger began to ask:
"Where are you going?"
"Far. At first to Sieradz. Are you going with us?"
"I must. I will sleep in the stable, and perhaps to-morrow this pious knight will give me a present of a horse; then I will go further."
"Where are you from?"
"From under Prussian lords, not far from Marienburg."
Having heard this, Zbyszko turned and motioned to the stranger to come nearer to him.