Miller was joyful, for he thought the affair was approaching its end. But he did not trust the words of Kordetski at once, nor his readiness to sacrifice the monks. He sent therefore one of them, Father Bleshynski, to the cloister, binding him first with an oath to explain the power of the Swedes and the impossibility of resistance. The monk repeated everything faithfully, but his eyes spoke something else, and concluding he said,— “But prizing life less than the good of the Congregation, I am waiting for the will of the council; and whatsoever you decide I will lay before the enemy most faithfully.” They directed him to say: “The monks are anxious to treat, but cannot believe a general who imprisons envoys.” Next day the other envoy of the fathers came to the cloister, and returned with a similar answer. After this both heard the sentence of death. The sentence was read at Miller’s quarters in presence of the staff and distinguished officers. All observed carefully the faces of the monks, curious to learn what impression the sentence would make; and with the greatest amazement they saw in both a joy as great, as unearthly, as if the highest fortune had been announced to them. The pale faces of the monks flushed suddenly, their eyes were filled with light, and Father Malahovski said with a voice trembling from emotion,— “Ah! why should we not die to-day, since we are predestined to fall a sacrifice for our Lord and the king?” Miller commanded to lead them forth straightway. The officers looked at one another. At last one remarked; “A struggle with such fanaticism is difficult.” The Prince of Hesse added: “Only the first Christians had such faith. Is that what you wish to say?” Then he turned to Count Veyhard. “Pan Veyhard,” said he, “I should be glad to know what you think of these monks?” “I have no need to trouble my head over them,” answered he, insolently; “the general has already taken care of them.” Then Sadovski stepped forward to the middle of the room, stood before Miller, and said with decision: “Your worthiness, do not command to execute these monks.” “But why not?” “Because there will be no talk of negotiations after that; for the garrison of the fortress will be flaming with vengeance, and those men will rather fall one upon the other than surrender.” “Wittemberg will send me heavy guns.” “Your worthiness, do not do this deed,” continued Sadovski, with force; “they are envoys who have come here with confidence.” “I shall not have them hanged on confidence, but on gibbets.” “The echo of this deed will spread through the whole country, will enrage all hearts, and turn them away from us.” “Give me peace with your echoes; I have heard of them already a hundred times.” “Your worthiness will not do this without the knowledge of his Royal Grace?” “You have no right to remind me of my duties to the king.”