"As my friend," said he, "ask what you like,--a Turkish horse, an Arab steed,--you shall have one. I'll spare nothing if I can only go, for my soul is rushing out in that direction. If you want money I'll give it, if you will only yield. The trip will bring you no glory; for if war breaks out it will begin here, and you may be killed in the Saitch. I know, too, that Anusia is as dear to you as to others; if you go they will get her away from you."
This last argument went home to the mind of Pan Bykhovets more than any other, but still he resisted. What would the prince say if he should withdraw? Wouldn't he take it ill of him? An appointment like this was such a favor.
Hearing this, Skshetuski rushed off to the prince and directed the page at once to announce him.
The page returned soon with the answer that the prince permitted him to enter.
The lieutenant's heart beat like a hammer, from fear that he should hear a curt "No!" after which he would be obliged to let the matter drop entirely.
"Well, what have you to say?" asked the prince, looking at the lieutenant.
Skshetuski bent down to his feet.
"Mighty prince, I have come to implore you most humbly to intrust me with the expedition to the Saitch. Bykhovets would give it up, perhaps, for he is my friend, and to me it is as important as life. Bykhovets' only fear is that you may be angry with him for yielding the place."
"As God lives!" said the prince, "I should have sent no one else, but I thought you would not like to go just after returning from a long journey."
"I should rejoice to be sent even every day in that direction."