“I am certain now,” said Prince Michael, “that Boguslav wants to seize all Podlyasye, so as to make of it a separate or feudal possession in the treaties. Therefore he has surely come with as much power as he could possibly get. I have no other proofs save a knowledge of Boguslav. He cares neither for the Swedes nor the Brandenburgers, only for himself. He is an uncommon warrior, who trusts in his fortunate star. He wants to win a province, to avenge Yanush, to cover himself with glory; and to do this he must have a corresponding power, and has it, otherwise he would not march on us.” “For everything the blessing of God is indispensable,” said Oskyerko; “and the blessing is with us!” “Serene great mighty hetman,” said Kmita, “information is needed. Let me loose from the leash with my Tartars, and I will bring you information.” Oskyerko, who had been admitted to the secret and knew who Babinich was, supported the proposal at once and with vigor. “As God is good to me, that is the best idea in the world! Such a man is needed there, and such troops. If only the horses are rested.” Here Oskyerko was stopped, for the officer of orderlies entered the room again. “Serene great mighty hetman!” said he. Sapyeha slapped his knees and exclaimed. “They have news! Admit them.” After a while two light-horsemen entered, tattered and muddy. “From Horotkyevich?” asked Sapyeha. “Yes.” “Where is he now?” “Killed, or if not killed, we know not where he is.” The hetman rose, but sat down again and inquired calmly,— “Where is the squadron?” “Swept away by Prince Boguslav.” “Were many lost?” “We were cut to pieces; maybe a few were left who were taken captive like us. Some say that the colonel escaped; but that he is wounded I saw myself. We escaped from captivity.” “Where were you attacked?” “At Tykotsin.” “Why did you not go inside the walls, not being in force?” “Tykotsin is taken.” The hetman covered his eyes for a moment with his hand, then he began to pass his hand over his forehead. “Is there a large force with Boguslav?” “Four thousand cavalry, besides infantry and cannon; the infantry very well trained. The cavalry moved forward, taking us with them; but luckily we escaped.” “Whence did you escape?” “From Drohichyn.” Sapyeha opened wide his eyes. “You are drunk. How could Boguslav come to Drohichyn? When did he defeat you?” “Two weeks ago.” “And is he in Drohichyn?” “His scouting-parties are. He remained in the rear himself, for some convoy is captured which Pan Kotchyts was conducting.” “He was conducting Panna Borzobogati!” cried Kmita. A silence followed. Boguslav’s success, and so sudden, had confused the officers beyond measure. All thought in their hearts that the hetman was to blame for delay, but no one dared say so aloud. Sapyeha, however, felt that he had done what was proper, and had acted wisely. Therefore he recovered first from the surprise, sent out the men with a wave of his hand, and said,—