Milenko and his father busied themselves at once about the great ceremony. They went to all the relations and friends of the two families, begging them, now that Uros was dead, to join with them in taking the oath of revenge against Vranic, the murderer.
Not a man that was asked refused. All shook hands, and promised to be at Markovic's house that night, and from there accompany him to the priest's.
Night came on. Milenko's mother had gone to sit up with Mara and Milena; Bellacic had remained to pray at his son's bedside, together with the good monks. One by one the friends and relations of the pobratim, muffled up like conspirators, knocked at Markovic's door, and were stealthily allowed to enter. Slivovitz and tobacco were at once placed before the guests. When they were all gathered together, and the town was asleep, they crept out quietly and wended their way through the deserted streets to the priest's house.
Milenko tapped at the door.
"They are all asleep at this house," said one of the men; "you must knock louder."
Hardly had these words been uttered than a faint ray of light was seen, and, contrary to their expectations, the door was opened by Danilo himself.
"Milenko! You, at this hour of the night? I thought you were at the convent, reciting prayers over my nephew, your pobratim."
"A pobratim has other duties than praying—the holy monks can do that even better than myself."
"But I am keeping you standing at the door; what can I do for you?"
"We have a request to make, which you will not be surprised at. You must follow us to church."