expedition, the arms of the prince. Finally, they entered, a
steppe so wild that in it no trace of man was found.

"I thought," said the learned Pan Mashkevich, "that
at last we should have to go to Hades, like Ulysses."

To this Volodyovski added: "The men of Zamoiski's
vanguard swore that they saw those boundaries on which
the circle of the earth rests."

The lieutenant told his companions about the Crimea,
where he had spent almost half a year in waiting for
the answer of the Khan; he told of the towns there,
of present and remote times, of Tartars and their military
power, and finally of their terror at reports of a general
expedition to the Crimea, in which all the forces of the
Commonwealth were to engage.

Conversing in this way every evening, they waited the
return of the prince. The lieutenant presented to his
most intimate companions Pan Longin Podbipienta, who as
a man of mild manners gained their hearts at once, and by
exhibiting his superhuman strength in exercises with the
sword acquired universal respect. He did not fail to
relate to each one the story of his ancestor Stoveiko and
the three severed heads; but he said nothing of his vow,
not wishing to expose himself to ridicule. He pleased
Volodyovski, especially by reason of the sensitive hearts of
both. After a few days they went out together to sigh on
the ramparts,--one for a star which shone above his
reach, that is, for Princess Anna; the other for an un-
known, from whom he was separated by the three heads
of his vow.

Volodyovski tried to entice Longin into the dragoons;
but the Lithuanian decided at last to join the armored
regiment, so as to serve with Skshetuski, whom, as he
learned in Lubni, to his delight, all esteemed as a knight
of the first degree, and one of the best officers in the service
of the prince. And precisely in Skshetuski's regiment
there was a vacancy in prospect. Pan Zakshevski, nick-
named "Miserere Mei," had been ill for two weeks beyond
hope of recovery, since all his wounds had opened from
dampness. To the love-cares of Skshetuski was now
added sorrow for the impending loss of his old companion
and tried friend. He did not go a step, therefore, from
Zakshevski's pillow for several hours each day, comforting
him as best he could, and strengthening him with the hope
that they would still have many a campaign together.