Zagloba sat on the threshold of the stable in meditation, and waited. Presently there appeared at a distance on the plain soldiers returning from the victory, and at their head rode Volodyovski. When he saw Zagloba, Volodyovski galloped up, and springing from his horse, came to him.
"Do I see you once more?" called he, at a distance.
"Me, in my own person," said Zagloba. "God reward you for coming with reinforcements in time!"
"Thanks be to God that I came in time!" said the little knight, pressing the palm of Zagloba with joy.
"But where did you hear of the straits in which I was?"
"The peasants of this place gave information."
"Oh, and I thought they betrayed me."
"Why should they? They are honest. The newly married barely got off with their lives, and what happened to the others they know not."
"If they are not traitors, then they are killed by the Cossacks. The master of the house lies near the door. But what of that? Tell me, is Bogun alive, did he escape,--he without a cap, in the shirt and trousers, whom you threw with his horse?"
"I hit him on the head; but it is too bad that I didn't know him. But tell me, my good Zagloba, what is the best you have done."