"There is not a better thing than peace," replied old Wilk, with equal composure.
"It also often happens," said Macko, "when one wants to undertake a long journey, he wants to make up and bid good-bye even to his adversaries."
"God reward you for your candid words."
"Not mere words, but deeds, for I actually came to wish you good-bye."
"From our soul we wish you might visit us daily."
"I wish I could feast you in Bogdaniec in a manner suitable to people who are acquainted with knightly honor. But I am in a hurry to go."
"Is it to war, or to some holy place?"
"I should like to go to one of the two, but the place I am going to is worse, for I am going among the Knights of the Cross."
"Among the Knights of the Cross," exclaimed both father and son.
"Yes!" replied Macko. "And one who is their enemy is going to them. It is well for him to be reconciled with God and men, so that he may not forfeit, not only his life, but everlasting salvation."
"It is wonderful," said old Wilk. "I have never yet seen any man who has not suffered from their wrongs and oppression."
"So it is in the whole fatherland," added Macko. "Neither Lithuania before its conversion to Christianity, nor even the Tartars were such a burden to the Polish kingdom as those devilish monks."
"Quite true, but this you also know, they gathered and gathered. It is time now to finish with them."
Then the old man spat in his hands, and young Wilk added: "It cannot be otherwise now."
"It will come to pass, surely, but when? We cannot do it, it is the king's affair. It may be soon or not ... God only knows. But meanwhile I must go to them."
"Is it not with ransom for Zbyszko?"
As his father mentioned Zbyszko's name young Wilk's face became pale with hatred.
But Macko replied quietly: "May be with ransom but not for Zbyszko."
These words intensified the curiosity of both lords of Brzozowa. Old Wilk, who could no more contain himself, said: "Can you tell us, or not, the reason for your going there?"
"I will tell you! I will!" he said, nodding assent, "but first let me tell you something else. Take notice then. After my departure Bogdaniec will be under God's care.... When Zbyszko and myself were fighting under Prince Witold, the abbot, also Zych of Zgorzelice, looked somewhat after our small property. Now we shall miss even that little. It pains me terribly to think that my endeavor and labor will be in vain.... You can well form an idea how much this troubles me. They will entice away my people, plough up the boundaries; they will take away my herds. Even should God permit me to return, I shall find my property ruined.... There is only one remedy, only one help ... good neighbor. For this reason I came to ask you as a neighbor that you would take Bogdaniec under your protection and see that no harm is done."