mote his sword and said: 'My Lord Prince, whoever
looks boldly, fights boldly; wild boars are equal to tigers, and sabres to
spears.' Then the German and he began somewhat too lively a discussion.
Luckily the Prince General interrupted their dispute, and reconciled them,
speaking in French; what he said to them I know not, but that
reconciliation was only ashes over live coals: for Rejtan took the matter
to heart, bided his time, and promised to play the German a good trick.
This trick he almost atoned for with his own life, but he played it the
next day, as I will tell you immediately."

Here the Seneschal paused, and, raising his right hand, asked the
Chamberlain for his snuffbox; he took several pinches, but did not
vouchsafe to finish his tale, as though he wished to sharpen the curiosity
of his hearers. At last he was beginning--when that tale, so curious and so
diligently hearkened to, was again interrupted! For some one had
unexpectedly sent a man to the Judge, with the message that he was waiting
on business that brooked no delay. The Judge, wishing them good night,
bade farewell to the company: immediately they scattered in various
directions; some went into the house to sleep, others into the barn, to
rest on the hay; the Judge went to give audience to the traveller.

The others were already asleep. Thaddeus wandered about the hallway,
pacing like a watchman near his uncle's door, for he had to seek his
counsel about important affairs, on that very day, before he went to
sleep. He did not dare to knock, for the Judge had locked the door and was
talking secretly with somebody; Thaddeus awaited the end of the interview
and pricked up his ears.

From within he heard a sobbing; without touching the latch he cautiously
looked through the keyhole. He saw a marvellous thing! The Judge and Robak
were kneeling on the floor in each other's embrace, and were weeping hot
tears; Robak was kissing the Judge's hands, while the Judge, weeping,
embraced Robak around the neck; finally, after a pause of a quarter of an
hour in their talk, Robak softly spoke these words:--156

"Brother, God knows that till now I have never betrayed the secrets that,
in repentance for my sins, I vowed at my confession to keep inviolate;
that, entirely devoted to God and to my country, not serving pride, nor
seeking earthly glory, I have lived till now and wished to die a
Bernardine monk, concealing my name not only from the crowd, but from you