"Yes! they did hang them, but they were pagans."
There was a certain sense of shame in his reply; it could easily be seen that he did not entirely approve of such deeds.
Meanwhile, Zbyszko controlled himself, and in a quiet and dignified manner said: "De Lorche, you and I received our belts and spurs from the same hand, you also know well that knightly honor is dearer to me than life and fortune. Listen, therefore, to my words which I say under oath to Saint Jerzy: There are many among this people whose Christianity does not date from yesterday, and those who have not yet been converted stretch out their hands toward the Cross for salvation. But, do you know who hinder them and prevent their salvation and baptism?"
The Mazur translated all Zbyszko's words to de Lorche, who looked into the young knight's face questioningly.
"The Germans!" said Zbyszko.
"Impossible," shouted de Lorche.
"By the spear and spurs of Saint Jerzy, the Germans! Because if the religion of the Cross were to be propagated here, they would lose a pretext for incursions, and domination and oppression of this unhappy people. You are well acquainted with these facts, de Lorche! You are best informed whether their dealings are upright or not."
"But I think that in fighting with the pagans they are only banishing them to prepare them for baptism."
"They are baptizing them with the sword and blood, not with water that saves. Read this letter, I pray, and you will be convinced that you yourself are the wrongdoer, plunderer and the hell-starosta of those who fight religion and Christian love."
Then he handed him the letter which the Zmudzians had written to the kings and princes, which was distributed everywhere; de Lorche took it and perused it rapidly by the light of the fire. He was greatly surprised, and said; "Can all that be true?"
"May God, who sees best, so help you and me that I am not only speaking the truth but I also serve justice."
De Lorche was silent for a moment and then said: "I am your prisoner."
"Give me your hand," replied Zbyszko. "You are my brother, not my prisoner."
Then they clasped hands and sat down in company to supper, which the Bohemian ordered the servant to prepare.
De Lorche was greatly surprised when he was informed on the road that Zbyszko, in spite of his letters, had not got Danusia, and that the comthurs had refused important and safe conduct on account of the outbreak of the war.