He  would  like,  of  course,  to  see  his  child  in  life  again,  and
sometime  or  another  to  die  in  Spyhov  near  them,  and  not  in
the  dark  dungeons  of  the  Order.  But  God's  will!  Schytno
was  visible  now.  The  walls  were  outlined  with  increasing
clearness  in  the  mist ;  the  hour  of  sacrifice  was  near,  hence
he  strengthened  himself  more,  and  said  to  himself,  —

"  Surely  it  is  the  will  of  God!  The  evening  of  life  is  near.
A  few  years  more,  a  few  less,  will  come  out  all  the  same.
Hei!  I  should  like  to  look  at  the  two  children  again,  but
in  justice  I  have  lived  my  time.  What  I  had  to  experience
I  have  experienced,  what  I  had  to  avenge  I  have  avenged.
And  now  what?  Rather  to  God  than  to  the  world,  but  since
there  is  need  to  suffer,  I  must  suffer.  Danusia  and  Zbyshko,
though  in  the  greatest  enjoyment,  will  not  forget  me.  Surely,
they  will  mention  me  more  than  once,  and  take  counsel :
"  Where  is  he?  Is  he  alive,  or  is  he  with  God  in  the  heav-
enly host?"  They  will  inquire  everywhere  and  learn  where
I  am.  The  Knights  are  eager  for  vengeance,  but  they  are
eager  also  for  ransom.  And  Zbyshko  would  not  spare  any-
thing to  ransom  even  my  bones.  And  for  a  mass  Danusia
and  Zbyshko  will  surely  give  money  many  a  time.  Both
have  honest  and  loving  hearts,  for  which  do  Thou,  O  God,
and  Thou,  O  most  Holy  Mother,  bless  them."

The  highroad  not  only  increased  in  width,  but  numbers  of
people  appeared  on  it.  Peasants  were  drawing  loads  of


342  THE  KNIGHTS  OF  THE   CROSS.
