"If he has had faith in his Mohammed hitherto, I have undermined that faith infernally," said Zagloba. "Did you see how he threw down the letter as soon as he had read it? There will be no small work between them, for that cavalier is ready to spring at the eyes, not only of Radzivill, but the devil. As God is dear to me, if a man had given me a herd of Turkish horses I should not be so well pleased as I am at having saved him from death." "It is true he owes his life to you," said Billevich; "no one will deny that." "God be with him!" said Volodyovski; "let us take counsel what to do." "But what? Mount and take the road; the horses have rested a little," answered Zagloba. "True, we should go as quickly as possible! Are you going with us?" asked Mirski of the sword-bearer. "I cannot remain here in peace, I must go. But if you wish to take the road at once, gentlemen, I say sincerely that it is not convenient to tear away now with you. Since that man has left here alive, they will not burn me up immediately, neither will they kill any one; and before such a journey it is necessary to provide one's self with this thing and that. God knows when I shall return. It is necessary to make one arrangement and another,--to secrete the most valuable articles, send my cattle to the neighbors, pack trunks. I have also a little ready money which I would take with me. I shall be ready to-morrow at daybreak; but to go now, in seize-grab fashion, I cannot." "On our part we cannot wait, for the sword is hanging over our heads," said Volodyovski. "And where do you wish to take refuge?" "In the wilderness, as you advised. At least, I shall leave the maiden there; for I am not yet old, and my poor sabre may be of use to the country and the king." "Farewell! God grant us to meet in better times!" "God reward you, gentlemen, for coming to rescue me. Doubtless we shall see one another in the field." "Good health!" "Happy journey!" They began to take farewell of one another, and then each came to bow down before Panna Billevich. "You will see my wife and little boys in the wilderness: embrace them for me, and bloom in good health," said Pan Yan. "Remember at times the soldier, who, though he had no success in your eyes, is always glad to bend the skies for you." After them others approached, and last Zagloba. "Receive, charming flower, farewell from an old man too. Embrace Pani Skshetuski and my little stumps. They are boys in a hundred!" Instead of an answer, Olenka seized his hand, and pressed it in silence to her lips. CHAPTER XXII. That night, at the latest two hours after the departure of Volodyovski's detachment, Radzivill himself came to Billeviche at the head of his cavalry. He came to the assistance of Kmita, fearing lest he might fall into the hands of Volodyovski. When he learned what had happened he took the sword-bearer and Olenka and returned to Kyedani, without even giving rest to the horses.