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"Pan Rembajlo," said the Monk, "I am no longer alarmed by the

wrath of men, for already I am under the hand of God. I adjure

thee in the name of Him who saved the world, and on the cross

blessed His murderers and accepted the prayer of the robber, that

you relent, and hear in patience what I have to say. I have

myself declared my name; to ease my conscience I must gain or at

least beg forgiveness. Hear my confession; then you will do with

me as you wish."

Here he joined his two hands as though in prayer; the Warden drew

back amazed, smote his hand on his brow and shrugged his

shoulders.

And the Monk began to tell of his former intimacy with the

Horeszko and of the love between him and the Pantler's daughter,

and of the enmity between the two men that thence arose. But he

spoke confusedly; often he mixed accusations and complaints in

his confession, often he interrupted his speech as though he had

ended, and then began anew.