"You will go by Chigirin. Rest but one night on the way. When you arrive, go to Zatsvilikhovski for letters, which you will deliver secretly to his friends in the Saitch. They will tell you all they know. From Chigirin you will go by water to Kudák. Give my respects with this letter to Pan Grodzitski. He will issue orders to convey you over the Cataracts by proper guides. Be fearless in the Saitch, keep your eyes and ears open, and come back if you survive, for the expedition is no easy one."
"Your Highness is the steward of my blood. Shall I take many men?"
"You will take forty attendants. Start to-day; before evening come for further instructions. Your mission is important."
Pan Bykhovets went out rejoicing. In the antechamber he met Skshetuski with some artillery officers.
"Well, what is going on?" asked they.
"I take the road to-day."
"Where, where?"
"To Chigirin, and from there farther on."
"Then come with me," said Pan Yan.
And taking him to his quarters, he began to tease him to transfer his mission to him.