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While they were conversing, the foreign knights sat erect on their horses, occasionally bending their heads which were covered with iron helmets ornamented with peacocks' tufts. Judging from Zbyszko's splendid armor, they thought that the prince had sent some important personage, perhaps his own son, to meet them.
Anna Danuta asked him what he was doing on the highway. He told her that the king had commanded him to keep order in the environs while there were so many wealthy guests going to Krakow. Then he told her about Zbyszko's foolish conduct.
At last the Teuton began to tire. One after another, he gave two blows, short but terrible, directing them at Zbyszko's right arm, but they were met by the shield with such force that the axe trembled in Rotgier's hand, and he himself was compelled to retreat suddenly to save himself from falling; and from that moment, he retreated steadily.
Zbyszko's anger overcame him and he could restrain himself no longer, and he interrupted Sanderus and said: "You vagabond, answer the questions I am going to put to you and take care that you tell the truth, or you will fare worse." "There are red ants yonder," said the Bohemian, "order them to be pat upon him, and he will soon find a tongue in his mouth."
"Or cut the beehive with an axe," added the gigantic Paszko Zlodziej of Biskupice. Zbyszko's heart was ready to leap with joy, because he thought that such words betokened war. Kuno von Lichtenstein understood what was said, because during his long sojourn in Torun and Chelmno, he learned the Polish language; but he would not use it on account of pride.
Soon the fires in the servants' room became covered with ashes and were quenched; finally everything became absolutely quiet in the forest house, only from time to time the dogs were heard howling at the wolves in the direction of the wilderness. But in the princess', Father Wyszoniek's and Zbyszko's rooms, the windows were shining, throwing red lights on the snow which covered the court-yard.
"Ej, not at all!" he answered, with a quivering voice. "I could listen to it the whole night." Then he sat down, covered his face with his hand, and listened. Jagienka sang another couplet; but when she finished, she noticed a big tear rolling down Zbyszko's fingers. Then she sat down beside him, and began to touch him with her elbow. "What is the matter with you? I do not want to make you cry.
The Mazur translated all Zbyszko's words to de Lorche, who looked into the young knight's face questioningly. "The Germans!" said Zbyszko. "Impossible," shouted de Lorche. "By the spear and spurs of Saint Jerzy, the Germans! You are well acquainted with these facts, de Lorche! You are best informed whether their dealings are upright or not."
"Zbyszko's armor-bearer has arrived from Szczytno," said the girl, "and has brought news from the priest. Macko will not return to this place. He went to Prince Witold." "Why will he not return here?" asked Father Kaleb. Then she told all she had heard from the Bohemian.
Once he placed without help, a bell which twelve men could not move from its place." "How old was he?" asked Zbyszko. "He was young!" In the meantime, Powala of Taczew, while riding at the princess' right hand, bent toward her and told her the truth about the importance of Zbyszko's adventure, and asked her to speak to the king in Zbyszko's behalf.
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