In the city, no one knew that one-half of the Cossacks had gone in pursuit of the Tatars.

From the tower of the town hall the sentinel only perceived that a part of the waggons had been dragged into the forest; but it was thought that the Cossacks were preparing an ambush--a view taken by the French engineer also.

Meanwhile, the Koschevoi's words proved not unfounded, for a scarcity of provisions arose in the city.
According to a custom of past centuries, the army did not separate as much as was necessary.

They tried to make a sortie; but half of those who did so were instantly killed by the Cossacks, and the other half driven back into the city with no results.

But the Jews availed themselves of the opportunity to find out everything; whither and why the Zaporozhtzi had departed, and with what leaders, and which particular kurens, and their number, and how many had remained on the spot, and what they intended to do; in short, within a few minutes all was known in the city.
The besieged took courage, and prepared to offer battle.