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He staggered; Baptist rushed on him, and after him a throng of

gentry, and after the gentry the Muscovites from the left wing

ran up in disorder, and the battle raged around Sprinkler.

Baptist, who had lost his arms in defence of Maciek, almost paid

for that service with his life; for two strong Muscovites fell on

him from behind, and twisted four hands at once into his hair;

bracing their feet, they pulled as on springy cables, hitched to

the mast of a barge. In vain Sprinkler struck out blindly behind

him; he tottered-but suddenly he saw that Gerwazy was fighting

close by; he shouted, "Jesus Maria! the penknife!"