Suddenly in the reeds, rushes, and shore-grass all around the inlet were heard strange and very numerous voices, calling,--
"Pugú! pugú!"
Then quiet. "Pugú! pugú!"
And again silence, as if those voices, calling on the banks, waited for an answer.
But there was no answer. The calling sounded a third time, but more quickly and impatiently.
"Pugú! pugú!"
This time from the side of the boats was heard in the middle of the fog the voice of Krechovski,--
"But who is there?"
"A Cossack from the meadows."
The hearts of the Cossacks hidden in the boats beat unquietly. That mysterious call was well known to them. In that manner the Zaporojiana made themselves known to one another in their winter quarters; in that way in time of war they asked to conference their brothers, the registered and town Cossacks, among whom were many belonging in secret to the Brotherhood.