she was, and since in his mind the name of Yurand connected her with dreadful reminiscences, his desire rose on the basis of savage hatred.
De Lorche fell to inquiring about those events.
"You have called this beautiful maiden 'devil's daughter;' why have you called her thus?"
Hugo narrated then the history of Zlotoria, how at the building of the castle they had seized the prince and his court, how in that affair the girl's mother had perished, and how Yurand had avenged her since that time on all Knights of the Cross in a fearful manner. During the narrative Hugo's hatred burst forth like a flame, since for this feeling he had personal reasons also. He had met Yurand two years before, but at sight of the terrible "Wild boar of Spyhov" the heart fell in him, for the first time in life, so contemptibly that he deserted two relatives, deserted his attendants, left his plunder, and fled a whole day like a madman, till he reached Schytno, where he was sick a long time from fright. When he returned to health the Grand Marshal of the Order brought him to trial. The sentence of the knightly court released him, it is true, for Hugo swore, on the cross and his honor, that an enraged horse had borne him away from the field of battle; but it closed his path to higher dignities in the Order. In presence of De Lorche the Knight of the Cross was silent about these events; but he made so many complaints against the cruelty of Yurand and the insolence of the whole Polish nation, that what he said could hardly find place in the head of the Knight of Lorraine.
"But," said De Lorche, after a while, "we are with Mazovians, not Poles."
"The principality is separate, but the people are the same," answered Hugo; "their vileness and hatred of the Order are equal. God grant the German sword to destroy the whole race!"
"You speak truly, lord; for, just think, this prince, apparently honorable, dared to build a hostile castle on your land; I have never heard of such lawlessness, even among pagans."
"The castle was hostile, but Zlotoria is on his land, not ours."
"Then, glory to Christ who gave you the victory. How did that war end?"
"There was no war at the time."
"And did you gain a victory at Zlotoria?"
