«There is not even talk of breaking through here,» answered the little knight. «You know that I am not lined with cowardice, and that I attack whom I will, even the devil himself. But I cannot meet the hetman, for I am not equal to him. You have said yourself that he is a pike and we perches. I shall do what is in my power to slip out, but if it comes to a battle, I tell you plainly that he will defeat us.»
«Then he will command to chop us up and throw us to the dogs. As God lives! into any man›s hands save Radzivill›s! But in this case why not turn to Pan Sapyeha?»
«It is too late now, for the hetman›s troops and the Swedes have closed the roads.»
«The devil tempted me when I persuaded Pan Yan and his cousin to go to Radzivill!» said Zagloba, in despair.
But Pan Michael did not lose h
