"How can that be ascertained?" asked Father Kaleb.
"If we knew that the priest of Szczytno had already returned from the synod. I should like to see him," said Macko. "I have letters from Lichtenstein to Szczytno and I can go there without fear."
"It was not a synod gathering, but a congress," replied Father Kaleb, "and the chaplain must have returned long ago."
"Very well. Everything is upon my own shoulders. I shall take Hlawa with me, and two servants, with proper horses and go."
"Then to Zbyszko?" asked Jagienka.
"Then to Zbyszko," replied Macko. "But you must wait for me here until I return. I also think that I shall not be detained there for more than three or four days. I am accustomed to mosquitoes and fatigue. Therefore, I ask you, Father Kaleb, to give me a letter to the chaplain of Szczytno. He will believe me without hesitation if I show your letter, for there is always great confidence among the clergy."
"The people speak well of that priest," said Father Kaleb, "and if there is one who knows something, it is he."
He prepared a letter in the evening, and in the morning, before sunrise, old Macko left Spychow.
CHAPTER V.
Jurand awoke from his long sleep in the presence of the priest; he forgot what had happened to him and where he was; he began to feel around in bed and at the wall. The priest caught him in his arms and wept, tenderly kissing him, and said: