These people could tell the master that they came to ransom von Bergow and that they knew nothing about a girl. No! that way led to nothing, but what did? He thought, that should he go to Szczytno they would chain him and cast him under ground, while Danusia would not be released, lest it should transpire that they had captured her, if for no other reason. And meanwhile death hung over his only child, death over the last dear head!... And finally his thoughts grew confused, and the pain became so great, that it overpowered itself and became numbness. He sat motionless, for his body became as dead as if cut out of stone. If he wanted to rise now, he would not be able to do so. Meanwhile the others grew tired of the long waiting, therefore the servant of the Order arose and said: "It will be soon daylight, therefore permit us, sir, to retire, because we need a rest." "And refreshment after the long journey," added the _pontnik_. Then they both bowed to Jurand and went out. But he continued to sit motionless, as if seized by sleep or death. Presently, however, the door opened and Zbyszko appeared, followed by the priest Kaleb. "Who are the messengers? What do they want?" inquired the young knight, approaching Jurand. Jurand quivered, but at first answered nothing; he only began to blink like a man awakened from a sound sleep. "Sir, are you not ill?" said the priest Kaleb, who, knowing Jurand better, noticed that something curious was taking place within him. "No!" replied Jurand. "And Danusia?" further inquired Zbyszko; "where is she and what did they say to you?" "What did they bring?" "The ransom," slowly replied Jurand. "The ransom for von Bergow?" "For von Bergow...." "How so, for von Bergow? what is the matter with you?" "Nothing." But in his voice there was something so strange and listless that a sudden fear seized those two, especially because Jurand spoke of the ransom and not the exchange of von Bergow for Danusia. "Gracious God!" exclaimed Zbyszko: "where is Danusia?" "She is not with the Teutons,--no!" replied Jurand, in a sleepy tone; and suddenly he fell from the bench upon the floor as if dead. CHAPTER VI. The following day at noon the messengers saw Jurand, and soon afterward they rode away taking with them von Bergow, two esquires and a number of other prisoners. Jurand then summoned Father Kaleb and dictated a letter to the prince, stating that Danusia had not been carried off by the Knights of the Order, but that he had succeeded in discovering her refuge, and hoped to recover her in a few days. He repeated the same to Zbyszko, who had been wild with astonishment, dread and perplexity since the night before. The old knight refused to answer any of his questions, telling him instead to wait patiently and not to undertake anything for the liberation of Danusia, because it was unnecessary.