"Bring water! Cold water!" he said, imperiously, to Schinko. And as he, not knowing the wherefore, returned with a bucket of water, his master, seizing the utensil with both hands, took a deep draught from it.
Daimona's astonishment increased more and more.
"What is the matter?"
"I must set off this very instant!" gasped Araktseieff. "Hurry, Schinko; let them put the horses to; twelve horsemen to accompany me with torches; and one to ride on before to secure post-horses. Fly!"
"You are going away?" asked Daimona, amazed.
"Instantly! The Czar commands!"
"And you hurry back at his request?"
"As a Cossack pony answers to his master's whistle."
"And will not be taking part in to-morrow's sport?"
"I must deny myself the gratification."