But six suddenly sprang upon Ostap.

They did it in an unpropitious hour: the head of one flew off, another turned to flee, a spear pierced the ribs of a third; a fourth, more bold, bent his head to escape the bullet, and the bullet striking his horse's breast, the maddened animal reared, fell back upon the earth, and crushed his rider under him.

"Well done, son! Well done, Ostap!" cried Taras: "I am following you." And he drove off those who attacked him.

Taras hewed and fought, dealing blows at one after another, but still keeping his eye upon Ostap ahead.

He saw that eight more were falling upon his son.