Here Zagloba looked at his companion, and not waiting for her to answer, cried out,--
"Oh, let me look at you in the daylight! Oh, ho! are those your cousin's clothes? It must be said you are a splendid Cossack. I've not had in all my life such another waiting-man; but I think Pan Skshetuski will take him from me soon. But what is this? Oh, for God's sake, twist up your hair! Unless you do there will be no doubt as to your sex."
In fact, over Helena's shoulders flowed a torrent of black hair, let loose by the speed of the course and the dampness of the night.
"Where are we going?" asked she, winding up her hair with both hands, and trying to put it under her cap.
"Where our eyes take us."
"Then not to Lubni?"
Alarm was reflected on Helena's face, and in the quick glance which she threw at Zagloba reawakened distrust was evident.
"Do you see," said he, "I have my own reason; and believe me I have reckoned everything carefully, and my reckoning is based on the following wise maxim: Do not escape in the direction in which you will be pursued. If they are pursuing us at this moment, they are pursuing in the direction of Lubni; for I inquired yesterday in a loud voice about the road, and before setting out I told Bogun that we should go in that direction. Therefore we shall go to Cherkasi. If they follow us, it will not be quickly, for it will take them two days to discover that we are not on the Lubni road. By that time we shall be in Cherkasi, where the Polish regiments of Pivnitski and Rudomina are stationed; and in Korsún are all the forces of the hetmans. Do you understand now?"
"I understand, and while life lasts I shall be thankful to you! I do not know who you are or whence you came to Rozlogi; but I think God sent you to defend and save me, for I should stab myself rather than fall into the power of that robber."
"He is a dragon, terribly intent on pursuing you."