"Then take it after Podbipienta. I have no wish to offend you."
"What are you doing? Leave some to me!" cried Zagloba in alarm, when he saw the Lithuanian drinking. "Why do you throw your head back so far? God grant it to remain in its usual place. You are too long; it is no small task to moisten you. May you burst!"
"I've barely touched it," said Podbipienta, handing him the flask.
Zagloba turned over the flask completely, and drank to the bottom; then he snorted, and said,--
"The only consolation is that if our miseries come to an end, and God lets us take our heads out of these dangers in safety, we'll reward ourselves for all. They will be sure to prepare some loaves for us. The priest Jabkovski has fine skill in eating, but I'll make a ram's-horn of him."
"And what word of truth have you and Jabkovski heard to-day from Mukhovetski?"
"Silence!" said Skshetuski; "there is some one coming in the square."
They were silent; and soon a dark figure stood near them, and asked in a hushed voice: "Are you watching?"
"We are," answered Skshetuski, straightening himself.
"Give careful attention; this calm is of evil augury."