But during their absence the Tatars may assemble fresh forces; the dogs do not show themselves in sight and dare not come while the master is at home, but they can bite his heels from behind, and bite painfully too.

And if I must tell you the truth, we have not boats enough, nor powder ready in sufficient quantity, for all to go.

But I am ready, if you please; I am the slave of your will." The cunning hetman was silent.

The various groups began to discuss the matter, and the hetmans of the kurens to take counsel together; few were drunk fortunately, so they decided to listen to reason.
A number of men set out at once for the opposite shore of the Dnieper, to the treasury of the army, where in strictest secrecy, under water and among the reeds, lay concealed the army chest and a portion of the arms captured from the enemy.

Others hastened to inspect the boats and prepare them for service.