Pan Stanislav was roused from his thoughtfulness and said: "I too have heard of this Prince Boguslav, for it is not far from us to the elector, with whom he lives continually. I have still in mind how my father said that when Prince Boguslav's father married the elector's daughter, people complained that such a great house as that of the Radzivills made an alliance with strangers. But perhaps it happened for the best; the elector as a relative of the Radzivills ought to be very friendly now to the Commonwealth, and on him much depends at present. What you say about their poor housekeeping is not true. It is certain, however, that if any one were to sell all the possessions of the Radzivills, he could buy with the price of them the elector and his whole principality; but the present kurfürst, Friedrich Wilhelm, has saved no small amount of money, and has twenty thousand very good troops with whom he might boldly meet the Swedes,--which as a vassal of the Commonwealth he ought to do if he has God in his heart, and remembers all the kindness which the Commonwealth has shown his house." "Will he do that?" asked Pan Yan. "It would be black ingratitude and faith-breaking on his part if he did otherwise," answered Pan Stanislav. "It is hard to count on the gratitude of strangers, and especially of heretics," said Zagloba. "I remember this kurfürst of yours when he was still a stripling. He was always sullen; one would have said that he was listening to what the devil was whispering in his ear. When I was in Prussia with the late Konyetspolski, I told the kurfürst that to his eyes,--for he is a Lutheran, the same as the King of Sweden. God grant that they make no alliance against the Commonwealth!" "Do you know, Michael," said Pan Yan, suddenly, "I will not rest here; I will go with you to Kyedani. It is better at this season to travel in the night, for it is hot in the daytime, and I am eager to escape from uncertainty. There is resting-time ahead, for surely the prince will not march to-morrow." "Especially as he has given orders to keep the squadron in Upita," answered Pan Michael. "You speak well!" cried Zagloba; "I will go too." "Then we will all go together," said Pan Stanislav. "We shall be in Kyedani in the morning," said Pan Michael, "and on the road we can sleep sweetly in our saddles." Two hours later, after they had eaten and drunk somewhat, the knights started on their journey, and before sundown reached Krakin. On the road Pan Michael told them about the neighborhood, and the famous nobles of Lauda, of Kmita, and of all that had happened during a certain time. He confessed also his love for Panna Billevich, unrequited as usual. "It is well that war is near," said he, "otherwise I should have suffered greatly, when I think at times that such is my misfortune, and that probably I shall die in the single state."