take with me. I shall be ready to-morrow at daybreak; but to go now, in seize-grab fashion, I cannot."
"On our part Ave cannot wait, for the sword is hanging over our heads," said Volodyovski. "And where do you wish to take refuge?"
"In the wilderness, as you advised. At least, I shall leave the maiden there; for I am not yet old, and my poor sabre may be of use to the country and the king."
"Farewell! God grant us to meet in better times!"
"God reward you, gentlemen, for coming to rescue me. Doubtless we shall see one another in the field."
"Good health!"
"Happy journey!"
They began to take farewell of one another, and then each came to bow down before Panna Billevich.
"You will see my wife and little boys in the wilderness; embrace them for me, and bloom in good health," said Pan Yan.
"Remember at times the soldier, who, though he had no success in your eyes, is always glad to bend the skies for you."
After them others approached, and last Zagloba.
"Receive, charming flower, farewell from an old man too. Embrace Pani Skshetuski and my little stumps. They are boys in a hundred!"
Instead of an answer, Olenka seized his hand, and pressed it in silence to her lips.
