Stepa learns that because of him, his direct ancestor, Yesaul, is in danger, and therefore the entire Steppe family. The Cossacks receive a dispatch from Pozharsky and decide not to go to the aid of the militia, and Stepa is thrown into a pit because of a dispute with Nazar. Ataman Markov announces the wedding of his daughter Alyonka with the Cossack Nazar.