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THE KNIGHTS OF THE CROSS.
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and his money. Sorrow and rage seized his heart, especially a moment later when he saw something new. Vilk, though the abbot had wished not long before to fight with his father, sprang to the abbot's stirrup to assist him from the horse, and he in dismounting leaned in a friendly manner on the young noble's shoulder.

"The abbot will be reconciled with old Vilk in this way," thought Matsko, "that he will give the forests and the land with the girl." But these bitter thoughts of his were interrupted by Yagenka, who said at that moment,—

"The beating they got from Zbyshko is healed, but though they were to come here every day, nothing will be waiting for them!"

Matsko looked; the girl's face was as ruddy from anger as it was cold, and her blue eyes flashed with rage, though she knew well that Vilk and Stan had stood up for her in the inn, and were beaten because of her.

"But you will do what the abbot commands," said Matsko.

"The abbot will do what I want," said she from where she stood.

"Dear God," thought Matsko, "and that foolish Zbyshko ran away from such a girl!"