Then Tyzenhauz turned to the king and said aloud: “Gracious Lord, permit me to go ahead to Jivyets and convince myself that what this cavalier says and what this trooper declares is true.” “Let it be so! Permit them to go, Gracious Lord,” said Kmita. “Go,” said the king; “but we will move forward a little, for it is cold.” Tyzenhauz rushed on at all speed, and the escort of the king began to move after him slowly. The king regained his good humor and cheerfulness, and after a while said to Kmita,— “But with you it is possible to hunt Swedes as birds with a falcon, for you strike from above.” “That is my fashion,” said Kmita. “Whenever your Royal Grace wishes to hunt, the falcon will always be ready.” “Tell how you caught him.” “That is not difficult. When a regiment marches there are always a few men who lag in the rear, and I got this one about half a furlong behind. I rode up to him; he thought that I was one of his own people, he was not on his guard, and before he could think I had seized and gagged him so that he could not shout.” “You said that this was not your first time. Have you then practised somewhere before?” Kmita laughed. “Oh, Gracious Lord, I have, and that of the best. Let your Royal Grace but give the order and I will go again, overtake them, for their horses are road-weary, take another man, and order my Kyemliches to take also.” They advanced some time in silence; then the tramp of a horse was heard, and Tyzenhauz flew up. “Gracious King,” said he, “the road is free, and lodgings are ready.” “But did not I say so?” cried Yan Kazimir. “You, gentlemen, had no need to be anxious. Let us ride on now, let us ride, for we have earned our rest.” All advanced at a trot, briskly, joyously; and an hour later the wearied king was sleeping a sleep without care on his own territory. That evening Tyzenhauz approached Kmita. “Forgive me,” said he; “out of love for the king I brought you under suspicion.” Kmita refused his hand and said: “Oh, that cannot be! You made me a traitor and a betrayer.” “I would have done more, for I would have shot you in the head; but since I have convinced myself that you are an honest man and love the king, I stretch out my hand to you. If you wish, take it; if not, take it not. I would prefer to have no rivalry with you save that of attachment to the king; but I am not afraid of other rivalry.” “Is that your thought? H’m! perhaps you are right, but I am angry with you.” “Well, stop being angry. You are a strong soldier. But give us your lips, so that we may not lie down to sleep in hatred.” “Let it be so!” said Kmita. And they fell into each other’s arms. CHAPTER X.