"Why are you awake at this time of night?" said I.
She flinched at that, and could not answer me; but I told her immediately.
"Your husband has been out to rob the soldiers who have perished," said I. "Come, be frank with me, and you shall not be punished. Has he not just come home and brought you some pretty things? Do not be afraid to tell me, and I will see that you do not suffer."
She admitted it at length. Her excuses were familiar and difficult to deal with. The men who had been robbed were dead, and their friends had deserted them. Of what use was money to them? The Cossacks took everything, she said; why did we begrudge them such trifles?
To which I responded very sternly that they had rendered themselves liable to the penalty of death, and would be pardoned upon one condition only.
"Doubtless you know the way to Bobr, young man," said I.
He did not deny it.
"Then you will conduct us there immediately. Come, where is your horse? You will have need of him."
He swore that he had no horse, and really I believe this was true. The girl's fears had now become distressing to behold, and it was evident that she had her doubts of our honesty.
"Isidore is a very bad guide," she exclaimed, looking at us with searching eyes. "You would do much better to take me. I know the road to Bobr. I have walked there many times."