"He has already gone on a scouting expedition, he knows no rest."
"See then, gentlemen," said Zagloba, displeased at the interruption, "how I captured the banner."
"Then Vershul is not wounded?" inquired Karvich again.
"This is not the first one that I have captured in my life, but none cost me such trouble."
"He is not wounded, only bruised," answered Azulevich, a Tartar, "and has gulped water, for he fell head first into the pond."
"Then I wonder the fish didn't die," said Zagloba, with anger, "for the water must have boiled from such a flaming head."
"But he is a great warrior."
"Not so great, since a half John[[13]] was enough for him. Tfu! it is impossible to talk with you. You might learn from me how to capture banners from the enemy."
Further conversation was interrupted by the youthful Pan Aksak, who approached the fire at that moment.
"I bring you news, gentlemen," said he, with a clear half-childish voice.