'Stop here and go on baling,' called out Slimakowa.
The Germans were still busy landing wood; whenever they got hold of a specially large piece they shouted 'Hurrah!' Suddenly some big logs came floating down, and this raised their enthusiasm to such a pitch that they started singing the 'Wacht am Rhein'. For the first time in his life Stasiek, who was so sensitive to music, heard a men's chorus sung in parts. It seemed to melt into one with the bright sun; both intoxicated him; he forgot where he was and what he was doing, he stood petrified. Waves seemed to be floating towards him from the river, embracing and caressing him with invisible arms, drawing him irresistibly. He wanted to turn towards the house or call Jendrek, but he could only move forward, slowly, as in a dream, then faster…faster; he ran, and disappeared down the hill.
The men were singing the third verse of the 'Wacht am Rhein', when they suddenly stopped and shouted:
'Help…help!'
Slimak and Maciek had stopped in their work to listen to the singing; the sudden cries surprised them, but it was the labourer who was seized with apprehension.
'Run, gospodarz,' he said; 'something's up.'
'Eh! something they have taken into their heads!'
'Help!' the cry rose again.
'Never mind, run, gospodarz,' the man urged; 'I can't keep up with you, and something….'
Slimak ran towards the river, and Maciek painfully dragged himself after him. Jendrek overtook him.