Pan Michael: An Historical Novel of Poland, the Ukraine, and Turkey

by Henryk Sienkiewicz

  CHAPTER XXVIII.

  Beyond every expectation, the Volodyovskis found guests at thefortalice. Pan Bogush had come; he had determined to fix his residenceat Hreptyoff for some months, so as to treat through Mellehovich withthe Tartar captains Aleksandrovich, Moravski, Tvorovski, Krychinski,and others, either of the Lithuanian or Ukraine Tartars, who had goneto the service of the Sultan. Pan Bogush was accompanied also by oldPan Novoveski and his daughter Eva, and by Pani Boski, a sedate person,with her daughter, Panna Zosia, who was young yet, and very beautiful.The sight of ladies in the Wilderness and in wild Hreptyoff delighted,but still more astonished, the soldiers. The guests, too, weresurprised at sight of the commandant and his wife; for the first,judging from his extended and terrible fame, they imagined to be somekind of giant, who by his very look would terrify people, his wife as agiantess with brows ever frowning and a rude voice. Meanwhile they sawbefore them a little soldier, with a kindly and friendly face, and alsoa tiny woman, rosy as a doll, who, in her broad trousers and with hersabre, seemed more like a beautiful boy than a grown person. None theless did the hosts receive their visitors with open arms. Basia kissedheartily, before presentation, the three women; when they told who theywere, and whence they had come, she said,--

  "I should rejoice to bend the heavens for you, ladies, and for you,gentlemen. I am awfully glad to see you! It is well that no misfortunehas met you on the road, for in our desert, you see, such a thing isnot difficult; but this very day we have cut the ravagers to pieces."

  Seeing then that Pani Boski was looking at her with increasingastonishment, she struck her sabre, and added with great boastfulness,"Ah, but I was in the fight! Of course I was. That's the way with us!For God's sake, permit me, ladies, to go out and put on clothing properto my sex, and wash my hands from blood a little; for I am coming froma terrible battle. Oh, if we hadn't cut down Azba today, perhaps youladies would not have arrived without accident at Hreptyoff. I willreturn in a moment, and Michael will be at your service meanwhile."

  She vanished through the door; and then the little knight, who hadgreeted Pan Novoveski already, pushed up to Pani Boski. "God has givenme such a wife," said he to her, "that she is not only a lovingcompanion in the house, but can be a valiant comrade in the field. Now,at her command I offer my services to your ladyship."

  "May God bless her in everything," answered Pani Boski, "as He hasblessed her in beauty! I am Antonia Boski; I have not come to exactservices from your grace, but to beg on my knees for aid and rescue inmisfortune. Zosia, kneel down here too before the knight; for if hecannot help us, no man can."

  Pani Boski fell on her knees then, and the comely Zosia followed herexample; both, shedding ardent tears, began to cry, "Save us, knight!Have pity on orphans!"

  A crowd of officers, made curious, drew near on seeing the kneelingwomen, and especially because the sight of the comely Zosia attractedthem; the little knight, greatly confused, raised Pani Boski, andseated her on a bench. "In God's name," asked he, "what are you doing?I should kneel first before a worthy woman. Tell, your ladyship, inwhat I can render assistance, and as God is in heaven, I will notdelay."

  "He will do what he promises; I, on my part, offer myself! Zagloba_sum!_ it is enough for you to know that!" said the old warrior, movedby the tears of the women.

  Then Pani Boski beckoned to Zosia; she took quickly from her bosom aletter, which she gave to the little knight. He looked at the letterand said, "From the hetman!" Then he broke the seal and began toread:--

  Very Dear and Beloved Volodyovski!--I send from the road to you,through Pan Bogush, my sincere love and instructions, which Pan Bogushwill communicate to you personally. I have barely recovered fromfatigues in Yavorov, when immediately another affair comes up. Thisaffair is very near my heart, because of the affection which I bearsoldiers, whom if I forgot, the Lord God would forget me. Pan Boski, acavalier of great honor and a dear comrade, was taken by the horde someyears since, near Kamenyets. I have given shelter to his wife anddaughter in Yavorov; but their hearts are weeping,--one for a husband,the other for a father. I wrote through Pyotrovich to Pan Zlotnitski,our Resident in the Crimea, to look for Pan Boski everywhere. Theyfound him, it seems; but the Tartars hid him afterward, therefore hecould not be given up with other prisoners, and doubtless is rowing ina galley to this time. The women, despairing and hopeless, have ceasedto importune me; but I, on returning recently, and seeing theirunappeased sorrow, could not refrain from attempting some rescue. Youare near the place, and have concluded, as I know, brotherhood withmany murzas. I send the ladies to you, therefore, and do you give themaid. Pyotrovich will go soon to the Crimea. Give him letters to thosemurzas with whom you are in brotherhood. I cannot write to the vizir orthe Khan, for they are not friendly to me; and besides, I fear that ifI should write, they would consider Boski a very eminent person, andincrease the ransom beyond measure. Commend the affair urgently toPyotrovich, and command him not to return without Boski. Stir up allyour brothers; though Pagans, they observe plighted faith always, andmust have great respect for you. Finally, do what you please; go toRashkoff; promise three of the most considerable Tartars in exchange,if they return Boski alive. No one knows better than you all theirmethods, for, as I hear, you have ransomed relatives already. God blessyou, and I will love you still more, for my heart will cease to bleed.I have heard of your management in Hreptyoff, that it is quiet there. Iexpected this. Only keep watch on Azba. Pan Bogush will tell you allabout public affairs. For God's sake, listen carefully in the directionof Moldavia, for a great invasion will not miss us. Committing PaniBoski to your heart and efforts, I subscribe myself, etc.

  Pani Boski wept without ceasing during the reading of the letter; andZosia accompanied her, raising her blue eyes to heaven. Meanwhile, andbefore Pan Michael had finished, Basia ran in, dressed in woman'sgarments; and seeing tears in the eyes of the ladies, began to inquirewith sympathy what the matter was. Therefore Pan Michael read thehetman's letter for her; and when she had listened to it carefully, shesupported at once and with eagerness the prayers of the hetman and PaniBoski.

  "The hetman has a golden heart," cried Basia, embracing her husband;"but we shall not show a worse one, Michael. Pani Boski will stay withus till her husband's return, and you will bring him in three monthsfrom the Crimea. In three or in two, is it not true?"

  "Or to-morrow, or in an hour!" said Pan Michael, bantering. Here heturned to Pani Boski, "Decisions, as you see, are quick with my wife."

  "May God bless her for that!" said Pani Boski. "Zosia, kiss the hand ofthe lady commandress."

  But the lady commandress did not think of giving her hands to bekissed; she embraced Zosia again, for in some way they pleased eachother at once. "Help us, gracious gentlemen," cried she. "Help us, andquickly!"

  "Quickly, for her head is burning!" muttered Zagloba.

  But Basia, shaking her yellow forelock, said, "Not my head, but thehearts of those gentlemen are burning from sorrow."

  "No one will oppose your honest intention," said Pan Michael; "butfirst we must hear Pani Boski's story in detail."

  "Zosia, tell everything as it was, for I cannot, from tears," said thematron.

  Zosia dropped her eyes toward the floor, covering them entirely withthe lids; then she became as red as a cherry, not knowing how to begin,and was greatly abashed at having to speak in such a numerous assembly.

  But Basia came to her aid. "Zosia, and when did they take Pan Boskicaptive?"

  "Five years ago, in 1667," said Zosia, with a thin voice, withoutraising the long lashes from her eyes. And she began in one breath totell the story: "There were no raids to be heard of at that time, andpapa's squadron was near Panyovtsi. Papa, with Pan Bulayovski, waslooking after men who were herding cattle in the meadows, and theTartars came then on the Wallachian road, and took papa, with PanBulayovski; but Pan Bulayovski returned two years ago, and papa has notreturned."

  Here two tears began to flow down Zosia's cheeks, so that Za
globa wasmoved at sight of them, and said, "Poor girl! Do not fear, child; papawill return, and will dance yet at your wedding."

  "But did the hetman write to Pan Zlotnitski through Pyotrovich?"inquired Volodyovski.

  "The hetman wrote about papa to the sword-bearer of Poznan," recitedZosia; "and the sword-bearer and Pan Pyotrovich found papa with AgaMurza Bey."

  "In God's name! I know that Murza Bey. I was in brotherhood with hisbrother," said Volodyovski. "Would he not give up Pan Boski?"

  "There was a command of the Khan to give up papa; but Murza Bey issevere, cruel. He hid papa, and told Pan Pyotrovich that he had soldhim long before into Asia. But other captives told Pan Pyotrovich thatthat was not true, and that the murza only said that purposely, so thathe might abuse papa longer; for he is the cruellest of all the Tartarstoward prisoners. Perhaps papa was not in the Crimea then; for themurza has his own galleys, and needs men for rowing. But papa was notsold; all the prisoners said that the murza would rather kill aprisoner than sell him."

  "Holy truth!" said Pan Mushalski. "They know that Murza Bey in thewhole Crimea. He is a very rich Tartar, but wonderfully venomousagainst our people, for four brothers of his fell in campaigns againstus."

  "But has he never formed brotherhood among our people?" asked PanMichael.

  "It is doubtful!" answered the officers from every side.

  "Tell me once what that brotherhood is," said Basia.

  "You see," said Zagloba, "when negotiations are begun at the end ofwar, men from both armies visit one another and enter into friendship.It happens then that an officer inclines to himself a murza, and amurza an officer; then they vow to each other life-friendship, whichthey call brotherhood. The more famous a man is, as Michael, forinstance, or I, or Pan Rushchyts, who holds command in Rashkoff now,the more is his brotherhood sought. It is clear that such a man willnot conclude brotherhood with some common fellow, but will seek it onlyamong the most renowned murzas. The custom is this,--they pour water ontheir sabres and swear mutual friendship; do you understand?"

  "And how if it comes to war afterward?"

  "They can fight in a general war; but if they meet alone, if they areattacking as skirmishers, they will greet each other, and depart infriendship. Also if one of them falls into captivity, the other isbound to alleviate it, and in the worst case to ransom him; indeed,there have been some who shared their property with brothers. When itis a question of friends or acquaintances, or of finding some one,brothers go to brothers; and justice commands us to acknowledge that nopeople observe such oaths better than the Tartars. The word is the mainthing with them, and, such a friend you can trust certainly."

  "But has Michael many such?"

  "I have three powerful murzas," answered Volodyovski; "and one of themis from Lubni times. Once I begged him of Prince Yeremi. Aga Bey is hisname; and even now, if he had to lay his head down for me, he would layit down. The other two are equally reliable."

  "Ah," said Basia, "I should like to conclude brotherhood with the Khanhimself, and free all the prisoners."

  "He would not be averse to that," said Zagloba; "but it is not knownwhat reward he would ask of you."

  "Permit me, gentlemen," said Pan Michael; "let us consider what weought to do. Now listen; we have news from Kamenyets that in two weeksat the furthest Pyotrovich will be here with a numerous escort. He willgo to the Crimea with ransom for a number of Armenian merchants fromKamenyets, who at the change of the Khan were plundered and takencaptive. That happened to Seferovich, the brother of Pretor. All thosepeople are very wealthy; they will not spare money, and Pyotrovich willgo well provided. No danger threatens him; for, first, winter is near,and it is not the time for chambuls, and, secondly, with him are goingNaviragh, the delegate of the Patriarch of Echmiadzin, and the twoAnardrats from Kaffa, who have a safe-conduct from the young Khan. Iwill give letters to Pyotrovich to the residents of the Commonwealthand to my brothers. Besides, it is known to you, gentlemen, that PanRushchyts, the commandant at Rashkoff, has relatives in the horde, who,taken captive in childhood, have become thoroughly Tartar, and haverisen to dignities. All these will move earth and heaven, will trynegotiations; in case of stubbornness on the part of the murza, theywill rouse the Khan himself against him, or perhaps they will twist themurza's head somewhere in secret. I hope, therefore, that if, which Godgrant, Pan Boski is alive, I shall get him in a couple of monthswithout fail, as the hetman commands, and my immediate superior herepresent" (at this Pan Michael bowed to his wife).

  His immediate superior sprang to embrace the little knight the secondtime. Pani and Panna Boski clasped their hands, thanking God, who hadpermitted them to meet such kindly people. Both became notablycheerful, therefore.

  "If the old Khan were alive," said Pan Nyenashinyets, "all would gomore smoothly; for he was greatly devoted to us, and of the young onethey say the opposite. In fact, those Armenian merchants for whom PanPyotrovich is to go, were imprisoned in Bagchesarai itself during thetime of the young Khan, and probably at his command."

  "There will be a change in the young, as there was in the old Khan,who, before he convinced himself of our honesty, was the mostinveterate enemy of the Polish name," said Zagloba. "I know this best,for I was seven years under him in captivity. Let the sight of me givecomfort to your ladyship," continued he, taking a seat near Pani Boski."Seven years is no joke; and still I returned and crushed so many ofthose dog brothers that for each day of my captivity I sent at leasttwo of them to hell; and for Sundays and holidays who knows if therewill not be three or four? Ha!"

  "Seven years!" repeated Pani Boski, with a sigh.

  "May I die if I add a day! Seven years in the very palace of the Khan,"confirmed Zagloba, blinking mysteriously. "And you must know that thatyoung Khan is my--" Here he whispered something in the ear of PaniBoski, burst into a loud "Ha, ha, ha!" and began to stroke his kneeswith his palms; finally he slapped Pani Boski's knees, and said, "Theywere good times, were they not? In youth every man you met was anenemy, and every day a new prank, ha!"

  The sedate matron became greatly confused, and pushed back somewhatfrom the jovial knight; the younger women dropped their eyes, diviningeasily that the pranks of which Pan Zagloba was talking must besomething opposed to their native modesty, especially since thesoldiers burst into loud laughter.

  "It will be needful to send to Pan Rushchyts at once," said Basia, "sothat Pan Pyotrovich may find the letters ready in Rashkoff."

  "Hasten with the whole affair," added Pan Bogush, "while it is winter:for, first, no chambuls come out, and roads are safe; secondly, in thespring God knows what may happen."

  "Has the hetman news from Tsargrad?" inquired Volodyovski.

  "He has; and of this we must talk apart. It is necessary to finishquickly with those captains. When will Mellehovich come back?--for muchdepends on him."

  "He has only to destroy the rest of the ravagers, and afterward burythe dead. He ought to return to-day or to-morrow morning. I commandedhim to bury only our men, not Azba's; for winter is at hand, and thereis no danger of infection. Besides, the wolves will clear them away."

  "The hetman asks," said Pan Bogush, "that Mellehovich should have nohindrance in his work; as often as he wishes to go to Rashkoff, let himgo. The hetman asks, too, to trust him in everything, for he is certainof his devotion. He is a great soldier, and may do us much good."

  "Let him go to Rashkoff and whithersoever he pleases," said the littleknight. "Since we have destroyed Azba, I have no urgent need of him. Nolarge band will appear now till the first grass."

  "Is Azba cut to pieces then?" inquired Novoveski.

  "So cut up that I do not know if twenty-five men escaped; and eventhose will be caught one by one, if Mellehovich has not caught themalready."

  "I am terribly glad of this," said Novoveski, "for now it will bepossible to go to Rashkoff in safety." Here he turned to Basia: "We cantake to Pan Rushchyts the letters which her grace, our benefactress,has mentioned."

  "Thank you," answered
Basia; "there are occasions here continually, formen are sent expressly."

  "All the commands must maintain communication," said Pan Michael. "Butare you going to Rashkoff, indeed, with this young beauty?"

  "Oh, this is an ordinary puss, not a beauty, gracious benefactor," saidNovoveski; "and I am going to Rashkoff, for my son, the rascal, isserving there under the banner of Pan Rushchyts. It is nearly ten yearssince he ran away from home, and knocks at my fatherly clemency onlywith letters."

  "I guessed at once that you were Pan Adam's father, and I was about toinquire; but we were so taken up with sorrow for Pani Boski. I guessedit at once, for there is a resemblance in features. Well, then, he isyour son?"

  "So his late mother declared; and as she was a virtuous woman, I haveno reason for doubt."

  "I am doubly glad to have such a guest as you. For God's sake, but donot call your son a rascal; for he is a famous soldier, and a worthycavalier, who brings the highest honor to your grace. Do you not knowthat, after Pan Rushchyts, he is the best partisan in the squadron? Doyou not know that he is an eye in the head of the hetman? Independentcommands are intrusted to him, and he has fulfilled every function withincomparable credit."

  Pan Novoveski flushed from delight. "Gracious Colonel," said he, "morethan once a father blames his child only to let some one deny what hesays; and I think that 'tis impossible to please a parent's heart morethan by such a denial. Reports have reached me already of Adam's goodservice; but I am really comforted now for the first time, when I hearthese reports confirmed by such renowned lips. They say that he is notonly a manful soldier, but steady,--which is even a wonder to me, forhe was always a whirlwind. The rogue had a love for war from youthupward; and the best proof of this is that he ran away from home as aboy. If I could have caught him at that time, I would not have sparedhim. But now I must spare him; if not, he would hide for ten otheryears, and it is dreary for me, an old man, without him."

  "And has he not been home during so many years?"

  "He has not; I forbade him. But I have had enough of it, and now I goto him, since he, being in service, cannot come to me. I intended toask of you and my benefactress a refuge for this maiden while I went toRashkoff alone; but since you say that it is safe everywhere, I willtake her. She is curious, the magpie, to see the world. Let her look atit."

  "And let people look at her," put in Zagloba. "Ah, they would havenothing to see," said the young lady, out of whose dark eyes and mouth,fixed as if for a kiss, something quite different was speaking.

  "An ordinary puss,--nothing more than a puss!" said Pan Novoveski. "Butif she sees a handsome officer, something may happen; therefore I choseto bring her with me rather than leave her, especially as it isdangerous for a girl at home alone. But if I go without her toRashkoff, then let her grace give command to tie her with a cord, orshe will play pranks."

  "I was no better myself," said Basia. "They gave her a distaff tospin," said Zagloba; "but she danced with it, since she had no onebetter to dance with. But you are a jovial man. Basia, I should like tohave an encounter with Pan Novoveski, for I also am fond of amusementat times."

  Meanwhile, before supper was served, the door opened, and Mellehovichentered. Pan Novoveski did not notice him at once, for he was talkingwith Zagloba; but Eva saw him, and a flame struck her face; then shegrew pale suddenly.

  "Pan Commandant," said Mellehovich to Pan Michael, "according to order,those men were caught."

  "Well, where are they?"

  "According to order, I had them hanged."

  "Well done! And have your men returned?"

  "A part remained to bury the bodies; the rest are with me."

  At this moment Pan Novoveski raised his head, and great astonishmentwas reflected on his face. "In God's name, what do I see?" cried he.Then he rose, went straight to Mellehovich, and said, "Azya! And whatart thou doing here, ruffian?"

  He raised his hand to seize the Tartar by the collar; but inMellehovich there was such an outburst in one moment as there is when aman throws a handful of powder into fire; he grew pale as a corpse, andseizing with iron grasp the hand of Novoveski, he said, "I do not knowyou! Who are you?" and pushed him so violently that Novoveski staggeredto the middle of the room. For some time he could not utter a word fromrage; but regaining breath, began to cry,--.

  "Gracious Commandant, this is my man, and besides that, a runaway. Hewas in my house from childhood. The ruffian denies! He is my man! Eva,who is he? Tell."

  "Azya," said Eva, trembling in all her body.

  Mellehovich did not even look at her. With eyes fixed on Novoveski, andwith quivering nostril, he looked at the old noble with unspeakablehatred, pressing with his hand the handle of his knife. At the sametime his mustaches began to quiver from the movement of his nostrils,and from under those mustaches white teeth were gleaming, like those ofan angry wild beast.

  The officers stood in a circle; Basia sprang in between Mellehovich andNovoveski. "What does this mean?" asked she, frowning.

  "Pan Commandant," said Novoveski, "this is my man, Azya by name,and a runaway. Serving in youthful years in the Crimea, I found himhalf-alive on the steppe, and I took him. He is a Tartar. He remainedtwelve years in my house, and was taught together with my son. When myson ran away, this one helped me in management until he wished to makelove to Eva; seeing this, I had him flogged: he ran away after that.What is his name here?"

  "Mellehovich."

  "He has assumed that name. He is called Azya,--nothing more. He saysthat he does not know me; but I know him, and so does Eva."

  "Your grace's son has seen him many times," said Basia. "Why did not heknow him?"

  "My son might not know him; for when he ran away from home, both werefifteen years old, and this one remained six years with me afterward,during which time he changed considerably, grew, and got mustaches. ButEva knew him at once. Gracious hosts, you will lend belief more quicklyto a citizen than to this accident from the Crimea!"

  "Pan Mellehovich is an officer of the hetman," said Basia; "we havenothing to do with him."

  "Permit me; I will ask him. Let the other side be heard," said thelittle knight.

  But Pan Novoveski was furious. "_Pan_ Mellehovich! What sort of a _Pan_is he?--My serving-lad, who has hidden himself under a strange name.To-morrow I'll make my dog keeper of that _Pan_; the day afterto-morrow I'll give command to beat that _Pan_ with clubs. And thehetman himself cannot hinder me; for I am a noble, and I know myrights."

  To this Pan Michael answered more sharply, and his mustaches quivered."I am not only a noble, but a colonel, and I know my rights too. Youcan demand your man, by law, and have recourse to the jurisdiction ofthe hetman; but I command here, and no one else does."

  Pan Novoveski moderated at once, remembering that he was talking, notonly to a commandant, but to his own son's superior, and besides themost noted knight in the Commonwealth. "Pan Colonel," said he, in amilder tone, "I will not take him against the will of your grace; but Ibring forward my rights, and I beg you to believe me."

  "Mellehovich, what do you say to this?" asked Volodyovski.

  The Tartar fixed his eyes on the floor, and was silent.

  "That your name is Azya we all know," added Pan Michael.

  "There are other proofs to seek," said Novoveski. "If he is my man, hehas fish tattooed in blue on his breast."

  Hearing this, Pan Nyenashinyets opened his eyes widely and his mouth;then he seized himself by the head, and cried, "Azya, Tugai Beyovich!"

  All eyes were turned on him; he trembled throughout his whole body, asif all his wounds were reopened, and he repeated, "That is my captive!That is Tugai Bey's son. As God lives, it is he."

  But the young Tartar raised his head proudly, cast his wild-cat glanceon the assembly, and pulling open suddenly the clothes on his bosom,said, "Here are the fish tattooed in blue. I am the son of Tugai Bey!"