"God reward you!" said Skshetuski.
"We will go with you even to Hmelnitski's camp," said Volodyovski.
"God reward you!" repeated Skshetuski.
"We know that you have sworn to seek her, living or dead; therefore we are ready, even to-day."
Skshetuski, having seated himself on a bench, fixed his eyes on the ground and made no answer. At last anger got control of Zagloba. "Does he intend to give her up?" thought he. "If he does, God be with him! I see there is neither gratitude nor memory in the world. But men will be found yet to rescue her, or I shall have to yield my last breath."
Silence reigned in the room, interrupted only by the sighs of Pan Longin. Meanwhile little Volodyovski approached Skshetuski and shook him by the shoulder.
"Where are you from now?" asked he.
"From the prince."
"What news?"
"I am going out on a reconnoissance to-night."