absolute master in all the possessions of Prince Boguslav. And Panna Anusia governs through him."
"Is he so much in love with her?" asked Pan Michael.
"He is, and has the greatest confidence in himself, for he is a very rich man."
"And his name is Sakovich?"
"You wish, I see, to remember him well."
"Certainly!" answered Pan Michael, as it were, carelessly, but at the same time he moved his mustaches so ominously that a shudder went through Zagloba.
"I only wish to add," continued Hassling, "that if Panna Borzobogati should command Sakovich to betray the prince and lighten her escape and that of her friend, I think he would do it without hesitation; but so far as I know she wishes to do that without his knowledge, maybe to spite him, who knows? It is enough that an officer, a relative of mine, but not a Catholic, assured me that the departure of the sword-bearer with the ladies is arranged; officers are involved in the conspiracy, and it is to take place soon."
Here Hassling began to breathe heavily, for he was weary and was using the last of his strength.
"And this is the most important thing that I had to tell you," added he, hurriedly.
Volodyovski and Kmita seized their heads.
"Whither are they going to flee?"
"To the forests and through the forests to Byalovyej."
Further conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Sapyeha's orderly, who delivered to Pan Michael and Kmita a quarter of a sheet of paper folded in four. Volodyovski had barely unfolded his when he said, —
"The order to occupy positions for to-morrow's work."
"Do you hear how the cannons are roaring?" asked Zagloba.
"Well, to-morrow! to-morrow!"
"Uf! hot!" said Zagloba, "a bad dav for a storm, — may the devil take such heat! Mother of God! But more than one will grow cold in spite of the heat; but not those — not those who commend themselves to Thee, our Patroness — But the cannons are thundering! I am too old for storms; the open field is something else."
Another officer appeared in the door.
"Is his grace Pan Zagloba here?" asked he.
"I am here."
