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Rykov, hearing this, lifted his sword and went out boldly; he

ordered the firing to cease and waved a white handkerchief. He

asked Thaddeus what weapon he preferred; after discussion, they

agreed on swords. Thaddeus had no weapon; while they were looking

for swords, the Count rushed out armed and interrupted the

negotiations.

"Pan Soplica," he shouted. "begging your pardon, you challenged

the Major! I have a grudge of longer standing against the

Captain; he has broken into my castle"-"Please say our castle,"

interrupted Protazy-"at the head of a band of robbers," the Count

concluded. "He-I recognised Rykov-tied up my jockeys; I will

punish him as I punished the brigands beneath the crag that the

Sicilians call Birbante-Rocca."