«So you have come to us with the whole squadron?»
«I have. The enemy took refuge in towns, for the winter is bitter. My men too are as ragged as brooms after long sweeping. The prince voevoda assigned me winter quarters in Ponyevyej. God knows the breathing-spell is well earned!»
«Eat, I beg you.»
«I would eat poison for your sake! I left a part of my ragged fellows in Ponyevyej, a part in Upita, and the most worthy officers I invited to Lyubich as guests. These men will come to beat to you with the forehead.»
«But where did the Lauda men find you?»
«They found me on the way to winter quarters in Ponyevyej. Had I not met them I should have come here.»
«But drink.»
«I would drink even poison for you!»
«Were the Lauda men the first to tell you of my grandfather›s death and the will?»
