The Ketlings stayed about three weeks. At the expiration of that
time Basia tried to leave her bed; but it appeared that she could
not stand on her feet yet. Health had returned to her sooner than
strength; and the doctor commanded her to lie till all her vigor
came back to her. Meanwhile spring came. First a strong and warm
wind, rising from the side of the Wilderness and the Black Sea,
rent and swept away that veil of clouds as if it were a robe which
had rotted from age, and then began to gather and scatter those
clouds through the sky, as a shepherd dog gathers and scatters
flocks of sheep. The clouds, fleeing before it, covered the earth
frequently with abundant rain, which fell in drops as large as
berries. The melting remnant of snow and ice formed lakes on the
flat steppe; from the cliffs ribbons of water were falling; along
the beds of ravines streams rose,--and all those waters were flying
with a noise and an outbreak and uproar to the Dniester, just as
children fly with delight to their mother.
Through the rifts between the clouds the sun shone every few
moments,--bright, refreshed, and as it were wet from bathing in
that endless abyss.
Then bright-green blades of grass began to rise through the
softened ground; the slender twigs of trees put forth buds
abundantly, and the sun gave heat with growing power. In the sky
flocks of birds appeared, hence rows of cranes, wild geese, and
storks; then the wind began to bring crowds of swallows; the frogs
croaked in a great chorus in the warmed water; the small birds were
singing madly; and through pine woods and forests and steppes and
ravines went one great outcry, as if all Nature were shouting with
delight and enthusiasm,--
“Spring! U-há! Spring!”
But for those hapless regions spring brought mourning, not
rejoicing; death, not life. In a few days after the departure of
the Ketlings the little knight received the following intelligence
from Pan Myslishevski,--
“On the plain of Kuchunkaury the conflux of troops
increases daily. The Sultan has sent considerable sums to
the Crimea. The Khan is going with fifty thousand of the
horde to assist Doroshenko. As soon as the floods dry, the
multitude will advance by the Black Trail and the trail of
Kuchman. God pity the Commonwealth!”
Volodyovski sent Pyentka, his attendant, to the hetman at once with
these tidings. But he himself did not hasten from Hreptyoff. First,
as a soldier, he could not leave that stanitsa without command of
the hetman; second, he had spent too many years at “tricks” with
the Tartars not to know that chambuls would not move so early.
The waters had not fallen yet; grass had not grown sufficiently;
and the Cossacks were still in winter quarters. The little knight
expected the Turks in summer at the earliest; for though they were
assembling already at Adrianople, such a gigantic tabor, such
throngs of troops, of camp servants, such burdens, so many horses,
camels, and buffaloes, advanced very slowly. The Tartar cavalry
might be looked for earlier,--at the end of April or the beginning
of May. It is true that before the main body, which counted tens of
thousands of warriors, there fell always on the country detached
chambuls and more or less numerous bands, as single drops of rain
come before the great downpour; but the little knight did not fear
these. Even picked Tartar horsemen could not withstand the cavalry
of the Commonwealth in the open field; and what could bands do
which at the mere report that troops were coming scattered like
dust before a whirlwind?
In every event there was time enough; and even if there were not,
Pan Michael would not have been greatly averse to rubbing against
some chambuls in a way which for them would be equally painful and
memorable.
He was a soldier, blood and bone,--a soldier by profession; hence
the approach of a war roused in him thirst for the blood of his
enemy, and brought to him calmness as well. Pan Zagloba was less
calm, though inured beyond most men to great dangers in the course
of his long life. In sudden emergencies he found courage; he had
developed it besides by long though often involuntary practice,
and had gained in his time famous victories; still, the first news
of coming war always affected him deeply. But now when the little
knight explained his own view, Zagloba gained more consolation, and
even began to challenge the whole Orient, and to threaten it.
“When Christian nations war with one another,” said he, “the Lord
Jesus Himself is sad, and all the saints scratch their heads, for
when the Master is anxious the household is anxious; but whoso
beats the Turk gives Heaven the greatest delight. I have it from
a certain spiritual personage that the saints simply grow sick at
sight of those dog brothers; and thus heavenly food and drink does
not go to their profit, and even their eternal happiness is marred.”
“That must be really so,” answered the little knight. “But the
Turkish power is immense, and our troops might be put on the palm
of your hand.”
“Still, they will not conquer the whole Commonwealth. Had Carolus
Gustavus little power? In those times there were wars with the
Northerners and the Cossacks and Rakotsi and the Elector; but where
are they to-day? Besides, we took fire and sword to their hearths.”
“That is true. Personally I should not fear this war, because,
as I said, I must do something notable to pay the Lord Jesus and
the Most Holy Lady for their mercy to Basia; only God grant me
opportunity! But the question for me is this country, which with
Kamenyets may fall into Pagan hands easily, even for a time.
Imagine what a desecration of God’s churches there would be, and
what oppression of Christian people!”
“But don’t talk to me of the Cossacks! The ruffians! They raised
their hands against the mother; let that meet them which they
wished for. The most important thing is that Kamenyets should hold
out. What do you think, Michael, will it hold out?”
“I think that the starosta of Podolia has not supplied it
sufficiently, and also that the inhabitants, secure in their
position, have not done what behooved them. Ketling said that the
regiments of Bishop Trebitski came in very scant numbers. But as
God lives, we held out at Zbaraj behind a mere wretched trench,
against great power; we ought to hold out this time as well, for
that Kamenyets is an eagle’s nest.”
“An eagle’s nest truly; but it is unknown if an eagle is in it,
such as was Prince Yeremi, or merely a crow. Do you know the
starosta of Podolia?”
“He is a rich man and a good soldier, but rather careless.”
“I know him; I know him! More than once have I reproached him with
that; the Pototskis wished at one time that I should go abroad with
him for his education, so that he might learn fine manners from me.
But I said: ‘I will not go because of his carelessness, for never
has he two straps to his boot; he was presented at court in my
boots, and morocco is dear.’ Later, in the time of Marya Ludovika,
he wore the French costume; but his stockings were always down, and
he showed his bare calves. He will never reach as high as Prince
Yeremi’s girdle.”
“Another thing, the shopkeepers of Kamenyets fear a siege greatly;
for trade is stopped in time of it. They would rather belong even
to the Turks, if they could only keep their shops open.”
“The scoundrels!” said Zagloba.
And he and the little knight were sorely concerned, over the coming
fate of Kamenyets; it was a personal question concerning Basia,
who in case of surrender would have to share the fate of all the
inhabitants.
After a while Zagloba struck his forehead: “For God’s sake!”
cried he, “why are we disturbed? Why should we go to that mangy
Kamenyets, and shut ourselves up there? Isn’t it better for you to
stay with the hetman, and act in the field against the enemy? And
in such an event Basia would not go with you to the squadron, and
would have to go somewhere besides Kamenyets,--somewhere far off,
even to Pan Yan’s house. Michael, God looks into my heart and sees
what a desire I have to go against the Pagans; but I will do this
for you and Basia,--I will take her away.”
“I thank you,” said the little knight. “The whole case is this: if
I had not to be in Kamenyets, Basia would not insist; but what’s to
be done when the hetman’s command comes?”
“What’s to be done when the command comes? May the hangman tear
all the commands! What’s to be done? Wait! I am beginning to think
quickly. Here it is: we must anticipate the command.”
“How is that?”
“Write on the spot to Pan Sobieski, as if reporting news to him,
and at the end say that in the face of the coming war you wish,
because of the love which you bear him, to be near his person and
act in the field. By God’s wounds, this is a splendid thought!
For, first of all, it is impossible that they will shut up such a
partisan as you behind a wall, instead of using him in the field;
and secondly, for such a letter the hetman will love you still
more, and will wish to have you near him. He too will need trusty
soldiers. Only listen: if Kamenyets holds out, the glory will fall
to the starosta of Podolia; but what you accomplish in the field
will go to the praise of the hetman. Never fear! the hetman will
not yield you to the starosta. He would rather give some one else;
but he will not give either you or me. Write the letter; remind him
of yourself. Ha! my wit is still worth something, too good to let
hens pick it up on the dust-heap! Michael, let us drink something
on the occasion--or what! write the letter first.”
Volodyovski rejoiced greatly indeed; he embraced Zagloba, and
thinking a while said,--
“And I shall not tempt hereby the Lord God, nor the country, nor
the hetman; for surely I shall accomplish much in the field. I
thank you from my heart! I think too that the hetman will wish to
have me at hand, especially after the letter. But not to abandon
Kamenyets, do you know what I’ll do? I’ll fit up a handful of
soldiers at my own cost, and send them to Kamenyets. I’ll write at
once to the hetman of this.”
“Still better! But, Michael, where will you find the men?”
“I have about forty robbers in the cellars, and I’ll take those.
As often as I gave command to hang some one, Basia tormented me
to spare his life; more than once she advised me to make soldiers
of those robbers. I was unwilling, for an example was needed; but
now war is on our shoulders, and everything is possible. Those are
terrible fellows, who have smelt powder. I will proclaim, too, that
whoso from the ravines or the thickets elects to join the regiment,
will receive forgiveness for past robberies. There will be about a
hundred men; Basia too will be glad. You have taken a great weight
from my heart.”
That same day the little knight despatched a new messenger to the
hetman, and proclaimed life and pardon to the robbers if they
would join the infantry. They joined gladly, and promised to bring
in others. Basia’s delight was unbounded. Tailors were brought
from Ushytsa, from Kamenyets, and from whence ever possible, to
make uniforms. The former robbers were mustered on the square of
Hreptyoff. Pan Michael was rejoiced in heart at the thought that
he would act himself in the field against the enemy, would not
expose his wife to the danger of a siege, and besides would render
Kamenyets and the country noteworthy service.
This work had been going on a number of weeks when one evening the
messenger returned with a letter from Pan Sobieski.
The hetman wrote as follows:--
BELOVED AND VERY DEAR VOLODYOVSKI,--Because you send all
news so diligently I cherish gratitude to you, and the
country owes you thanks. War is certain. I have news
also from elsewhere that there is a tremendous force in
Kuchunkaury; counting the horde, there will be three
hundred thousand. The horde may march any moment. The
Sultan values nothing so much as Kamenyets. The Tartar
traitors will show the Turks every road, and inform them
about Kamenyets. I hope that God will give that serpent,
Tugai Bey’s son, into your hands, or into Novoveski’s,
over whose wrong I grieve sincerely. As to this, that
you be near me, God knows how glad I should be, but it
is impossible. The starosta of Podolia has shown me, it
is true, various kindnesses since the election; I wish,
therefore, to send him the best soldiers, for the rock of
Kamenyets is to me as my own eyesight. There will be many
there who have seen war once or twice in their lives, and
are like a man who on a time has eaten some peculiar food
which he remembers all his life afterward; a man, however,
who has used it as his daily bread, and might serve with
experienced counsel, will be lacking, or if there shall be
such he will be without sufficient weight. Therefore I will
send you. Ketling, though a good soldier, is less known;
the inhabitants will have their eyes turned to you, and
though the command will remain with another, I think that
men will obey you with readiness. That service in Kamenyets
may be dangerous, but with us it is a habit to be drenched
in that rain from which others hide. There is reward enough
for us in glory, and a grateful remembrance; but the main
thing is the country, to the salvation of which I need not
excite you.
This letter, read in the assembly of officers, made a great
impression; for all wished to serve in the field rather than in a
fortress. Volodyovski bent his head.
“What do you think now, Michael?” asked Zagloba.
He raised his face, already collected, and answered with a voice as
calm as if he had met no disappointment in his hopes,--
“I will go to Kamenyets. What have I to think?”
And it might have seemed that nothing else had ever been in his
head.
After a while his mustaches quivered, and he said,--
“Hei! dear comrades, we will go to Kamenyets, but we will not yield
it.”
“Unless we fall there,” said the officers. “One death to a man.”
Zagloba was silent for some time; casting his eyes on those
present, and seeing that all were waiting for what he would say, he
puffed all at once, and said,--
“I will go with you. Devil take it!”