n at that decision, Commander."

"I dare say. Still, as you know, I am always ready to do anything
conducive to good feeling, so you may inform them that you and Ebearhard
and myself, that is, three of us, will contribute to the committee's
funds an amount equal to that subscribed by the other eighteen. Such
lavishness on our part ought to satisfy them."

"It won't, Commander, because there's not a single kreuzer among the
eighteen."

"So be it. That's as far as I am willing to go. Appeal to their
reasoning powers, Greusel. If each of the eighteen contributes one
thaler, we three will contribute six thalers apiece. Ask them whether
they do not think we are generous when we do six times more than any one
of them towards providing capital for a committee."

"'Tis not willingness they lack, Commander, but ability."

"They are not logical, Joseph. They prate of comradeship, and when it
comes to an exercise of power they demand equality. How, then, can they,
with any sense of fairness, prove ungrateful to us when we offer to bear
six times the burden they are asked to shoulder?"

The lieutenant said no more, but departed to announce the decision to
the men, and either the commander's reasoning overcame all opposition,
or else the company was too tired to engage in a controversy.

When the black bread and cheese were served, with a further supply of
wine, all sat up and ate heartily. The banquet ended, Greusel made an
announcement to the men. There would now be an hour's rest, he said,
before taking to the road again. The meal and the wine had been paid for
by the commander, so no one need worry on that account, but if any man
wished more wine he must pay the shot himself. However, before the
afternoon's march was begun flagons of wine would be served at the
commander's expense. This information was received in silence, and the
men stretched themselves out on the grass to make the most of their hour
of rest. Roland strolled off alone to view the village. The lieutenant
and Ebearhard sat together at a table, conversing in low tones.

"Well," said Ebearhard, "what do you think of it all?"

"I don't know what to think," replied Greusel. "If the Barons of the
Rhine could see us, and knew that we intended to attack them, I imagine
there would be a great roar of laughter."

Ebearhard emulated the Barons, and laughed. He was a cheerful person.

"I don't doubt it," he said; "and talking of prospects, what's your
opinion o