But Tyzenhauz was evidently of a different opinion from the king, for he frowned and said with sarcasm against Kmita, “We wait then for your enlightened counsel.” Kmita felt ill will in the words; therefore he fixed his glance on Tyzenhauz and answered,— “My opinion is that the smaller the party the easier it will pass.” “How is that?” “The will of your Royal Grace is unfettered,” said Kmita, “and can do what it likes, but my reason teaches me this: Let Pan Tyzenhauz go ahead with the dragoons, giving out purposely that he is conducting the king; this he will do to attract the enemy to himself. His affair is to wind out, to escape from the trap safely. And we with a small band in a day or two will move after him with your Royal Grace; and when the enemy’s attention is turned in another direction it will be easy for us to reach Lyubovlya.” The king clapped his hands with delight. “God sent us this soldier!” cried he. “Solomon could not judge better. I give my vote for this plan, and there must not be another. They will hunt for the king among the dragoons, and the king will pass by under their noses. It could not be better!” “Gracious King,” cried Tyzenhauz, “that is pastime.” “Soldier’s pastime!” said the king. “But no matter, I will not recede from that plan.” Kmita’s eyes shone from delight because his opinion had prevailed, but Tyzenhauz sprang from his seat. “Gracious Lord!” said he, “I resign my command from the dragoons. Let some one else lead them.” “And why is that?” “For if your Royal Grace will go without defence, exposed to the play of fortune, to every destructive chance which may happen, I wish to be near your person to expose my breast for you and to die should the need be.” “I thank you for your sincere intention,” answered Yan Kazimir; “but calm yourself, for in just such a way as Babinich advises shall I be least exposed.” “Let Pan Babinich, or whatever his name may be, take what he advises on his own responsibility! It may concern him that your Royal Grace be lost in the mountains. I take as witness God and my companions here present that I advised against it from my soul.” Scarcely had he finished speaking when Kmita sprang up, and standing face to face with Tyzenhauz asked, “What do you mean by these words?” Tyzenhauz measured him haughtily with his eyes from head to foot, and said, “Do not strain your head, little man, toward mine, the place is too high for you.” To which Kmita with lightning in his eyes replied, “It is not known for whom it would be too high if—” “If what?” asked Tyzenhauz, looking at him quickly. “If I should reach higher people, than you.” Tyzenhauz laughed. “But where would you seek them?” “Silence!” said the king suddenly, with a frown. “Do not begin a quarrel in my presence.”