Remain on Vykotke was dangerous: every minute of the guard could detect the Cossacks and raise the alarm. So, without delay, Arsene took the mother and grandfather and, overwhelmed by a terrible news of the disappearance Zlattke and Stekha, left the castle with his friends.
From the ruins of the church a small cavalry detachment was to turn to the east, to the old settlements, which lies in a valley a few miles from Nemirova. There was an appointment with Ivanikov and other dubovobalchanami who decided to join the Cossacks, to work together to escape from the power of the Turks.
Synthesis and spectral Zvenigora asked him to look after his grandfather Onopriev and mother, stricken with grief, helped them in a serious way. The boy answered gravely:
- No light - you can understand. Be calm, Arsen.
Do not leave attention Synthesis and spectral and his new friend, Vasily Semashko. Consoled him as best he could. Spodruchnichal all that was required Feodosia.
Separated in the dark. Mladen Arsene hugged and kissed on both cheeks.
- Farewell, my son - said dully. - We Nenko stay here ... You did not protect Zlatko ... There is no doubt that it captured the Sultan Gazi Bay, we will try to wrest it from the Crimea. Nenko go back to work in janissary corps, and it would be easier to start trouble in front of the Sultan or the Grand Vizier of punishment Gazi Bay and return Zlattke ... Do not forget, of course, about Stesha ...
- Thanks, old man - replied sadly, Arsen. - I believe that you will do everything to free the girls ... I'm not going to sit on their hands:'ll find the way to the Crimea, I'll find there Ghazi Bey, and woe to him!
- He will not have far to seek. This ac-mechetsky Sultan ...
- In the heart of Crimea took refuge predatory hawk! But I find it, and under the earth. Be sure! .. If you are lucky enough to detect trace Zlattke and Stesha, then let me know in the camp.
- Make sure you give ... and from you will be waiting for good news. - Do Mladen voice trembled.
The old governor was silent, then, having overcome momentary weakness, took Arsenal and Paliya the arm, led him aside and said very quietly, but firmly:
- And now, my friends, listen carefully. From Kamenetskii Pasha to the hetman Chavush arrived yesterday with the news of extreme importance ...
- What? - Exclaimed at the same time the Cossacks.
- This spring, at the latest - in the summer Vizier Kara Mustafa abandon his army to Kiev! If he can easily take the city, he will move to the Left Bank ...
- Here's how! - Paly and Arsene could not hide satisfaction. - After all this news is invaluable!
- But it's not all ... Before a campaign Vizier Crimean Khan with a horde should pat Left Bank, and Bugeac Tatars with janissaries - to restore the ruined Turkish fortress of the Dnieper Cossacks in the lower reaches of the Dnieper ... I think you will understand that this news should be referred immediately to who should!
- Thanks, Dad. - Arsene pressed to his chest Mladen, then embraced Nenko. - Thank you, brother ... everything is done as needed!
Turning to Yakubu, he wanted to hug and him, but he suddenly said:
- No, Arsene, do not say goodbye to me ... I'm going with you.
Exclamation of surprise escaped Arsen, Mladen and Nenko.
- Yacoub, that you got in mind? - Pounced on his old commander.
- It should, Mladen - calmly replied. - If Zlattke will be in Ukraine, I will change it you'll be my father ... And to Arsen rooted my heart, like a son. In Nemyriv I do nothing. When asked what to do, say - died ... At home I have no one, no one I was not needed. But here ... I believe that there Zlattke, and she had a way - to Arsen! Well, I am with them!
Touched by the young, Nenko and Arsen hugged an old friend. Then he stood silent. Mladen raised his hand:
- All ... Go! Do not forget that we can pass on to your governor is not one of their interesting news!
- We will find you, old man - said to Arsene and first moved into the darkness.

12

Stunned and scared to death, Yuras long lying on a pile of rotting straw. When consciousness is cleared, he raised his head, moved his arms and legs to make sure they are intact, and then sat down and leaned against the wet, oslizloy wall. He sat motionless, staring into the darkness of unconscious, while sickening, suffocating stench and crude burial cold, began to take a tunic, finally led him to his senses.
He sprang to his feet.
Raging fury in an instant was filled all his being. A wild cry burst from his throat:
- Ah-ah-ah ..
He screamed and pounded his fists into the wall, throwing his head up like a wolf, and then cry like a wolf's howl.
- Oo-oo-oo! ..
But it, of course, no one could hear. A cry in vain struggled on frost-covered walls, it drowned out the thick reed mat that was covered pit.
Yuras understood that he had not heard, but the animal fear and anger were forced to scream. And he cried. He shouted himself hoarse, while not exhausted, and then sat down exhausted on the straw. For some time silent, not knowing what to do. The easiest way was to wait for the morning, because it certainly would rush to look up ... But the thought that he would have all night to sit in this stinking pit, drove him to madness. In addition, he submitted, as we will get out of here, dirty and filth-covered and rotted straw, the eyes of many warriors, as tomorrow will be a whole Nemiroff making fun of his adventure, and again a wave of anger and despair rose in her chest. Getting up mechanically to his feet and thrusting his hands, walked rapidly along the wall, hoping to find the stairs in the dark, though he knew that she is not here ... Suddenly, he tripped and fell, burying his hands, his elbows on the most liquid in the cold mud ... Br-rr ... How from the fire, pulled his hands, staggered back, wiped his wet straw, lay down, curled up like a puppy, and quietly wept ...
They dragged him out of the pit until the following day.
And before the terrified Azem-aga turned the whole Vykotku and all Nemiroff, sent a horse Tatar detachments in the steppe, thinking that Khmelnitsky escaped. But all in vain. Getman had disappeared, as the water disappeared. The detachments returned empty-handed: a blizzard swept all the paths and roads are all human and animal footprints ... And only when someone from the Hetman guards came across the corpse covered with snow guard, Azem-aga guessed to look into the pit. His surprise and joy there was no end: at the bottom all alone lay huddled on straw, Hetman and moaning ...

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