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They were all amazed, and Rotgier, with the others, because none of them, except the prince and his wife, Father Wyszoniek and de Lorche, knew of Danusia's marriage; the Teutons moreover were confident that Jurand's daughter had no other natural defender besides her father; but at that moment de Lorche stood up and said: "Upon my knightly honor I vouch for the truthfulness of his words; should anybody dare to doubt it, here is my guage."
"Have we not time enough to talk about it? Where a belted knight is concerned his word is of equal value with ready money, and as to the sum it can be left to conscience. There, near Gotteswerder, we captured one of your important knights, a certain de Lorche. No allusion whatever was made to the amount of ransom." "Have you captured de Lorche?" inquired Wolfgang, sharply. "I know him.
De Lorche, hearing the name von Bergow, began to inquire about him, and, having found out, said: "He is a relative of the Duke of Geldryi, a great benefactor of the Order, and devoted to the Order from his birth." "Yes," said the knight of Dlugolas, translating his words to those present. "Von Bergow held high rank in the Order." "Danveld and von Loeve strongly demanded him," remarked the prince.
De Lorche was silent for a moment and then said: "I am your prisoner." "Give me your hand," replied Zbyszko. "You are my brother, not my prisoner." Then they clasped hands and sat down in company to supper, which the Bohemian ordered the servant to prepare.
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."
Having perceived him, and waiting neither for Macko of Turoboje, nor for de Lorche, Zbyszko rushed with such an impetus toward the mansion, that the astonished Lotaringer asked: "What is the matter with the young knight?" "There is nothing the matter with him," answered Macko of Turoboje; "he is in love with a girl of the princess' court and he wants to see her as soon as possible."
The peasants were armed, and, as war was nothing new to them, they awaited the Germans with eagerness, promising themselves excellent booty. Father Kaleb received Zbyszko and de Lorche in the castle, and, immediately after supper, showed them the parchment with Jurand's seal, in which he had written with his own hand the last will of the knight of Spychow.
But it happened otherwise, as reasons arose whereby the Bohemian did not remain in Spychow. Zbyszko and de Lorche started with their suites the following morning. De Lorche, whose marriage to Ulryka von Elner, Father Wyszoniek dissolved, rode away happy and, with his mind entirely occupied with the comeliness of Jagienka of Dlugolas, was silent.
Then he gave orders for de Lorche, who had taken rest in the booth, to be brought to the camp-fire. A moment later the Bohemian brought him in; he was unarmed and without a helmet, having only his leather jacket upon which the marks of the coat of mail were visible. He had a red cap on his head.
The Knights of the Cross, although they had visited Lithuania, where bisons attacked and brought confusion to the army, were very much astonished at the great number of beasts, and Sir de Lorche was more astonished than they.
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