They drove into the courtyard. Yatsek sprang to the sleigh so that he might, with the driver and the single house-servant, help out the wounded men. But they stepped out themselves, except Marek, whose arms they supported and soon they were all in Yatsek's dwelling. Straw had been spread there already, and even Yatsek's own bed had been covered with a white, slightly worn horse skin. At the head a felt roll served as pillow. On the table near the window was bread kneaded with spider-web, excellent for blood stopping. There were also choice balsams which the priest had for healing. The old man took off his soutane and went to dressing the wounds with the skill of a veteran who had seen thousands of wounded men, and who from long practice knew how to handle wounds better than many a surgeon. His work went on quickly, for, except Marek, the men had suffered slightly. Marek's shoulder-blade needed considerably longer work, but when at last it was dressed the priest wiped his bloody hands, and then rested. "Well," said he, "thanks to the Lord Jesus, it has passed without grievous accident. This also is certain, that you feel better, gentlemen, all of you." "One would like a drink!" said Mateush. "It would not hurt! Give command, Yatsek, to bring water." Mateush rose up on the straw. "How water?" asked he in a voice of emotion. Marek, who was lying face downward on Yatsek's bed groaning, called out quickly,-- "The revered father must wash his hands, of course." Hereupon Yatsek looked with real despair at the priest, who laughed and then added,-- "They are soldiers! Wine is permitted, but in small quantity." Yatsek drew him by the sleeve to the alcove. "Benefactor," whispered he, "what can I do? The pantry is empty, and so is the cellar. Time after time I must tighten my girdle. What can I give them?" "There is something here, there is something!" said the old man. "When leaving home I made arrangements, and brought a little with me. Should that not suffice I will get more at the brewery in Yedlina--for myself, of course, for myself. Command to give them one glass at the moment to calm them after the encounter." When he heard this Yatsek set to work quickly, and soon the Bukoyemskis were comforting one another. Their good feeling for Yatsek increased every moment. "We fought, for that happens to every man," said Mateush, "but right away I thought thee a dignified cavalier." "Not true; it was I who thought so first," put in Lukash. "Thou think? Hast thou ever been able to think?" "I think just now that thou art a blockhead, so I am able to think,--but my mouth pains me." Thus they were quarrelling already. But that moment a mounted man darkened the window. "Some one has come!" exclaimed Father Voynovski. Yatsek went to see who it was, and returned quickly, with troubled visage. "Pan Gideon has sent a man," said he, "with notice that he is waiting for us at dinner." "Let him eat it alone!" replied Yan Bukoyemski.