can
have been his up-bringing? He is obviously not of the merchant class, yet
he persuades the chief of our merchants, and the most conservative, to
engage in this wild goose chase, and actually venture money and goods in
supporting him. This expedition will cost Herr Goebel at least five
thousand thalers, all because of the blandishments of a youth who walked
in from the street, unintroduced. Then he is not an artisan of any sort,
for when he joined us his hands were quite useless, except upon the
sword-hilt."

"He said he was a fencing-master," explained Greusel.

"I know he did, and yet when he was offered a fee to instruct us he
wouldn't look at it. The first duty of a fencing-master, like the rest
of us, is to make money. Roland quite evidently scorns it, and at the
last instructs us for nothing. Fencing-masters don't promote freebooting
expeditions, and, besides, a fencing-master is always urbane and polite,
cringing to every one. I have watched Roland closely at times, trying to
study him, and in doing so have caught momentary glimpses of such
contempt for us, that, by the good Lord above us, it made me shrivel up.
You know, Greusel, that youth has more of the qualities usually
attributed to a noble than those which go to the make-up of any
tradesman."

"He is a puzzle to me," admitted Greusel, "and if this excursion does
not break up at the outset, I am not sure that it will be a success."

Noticing a look of alarm in Ebearhard's eyes, Greusel cast a glance over
his shoulder, and saw Roland standing behind him. The young man said
quietly:

"It hasn't broken up at the outset, for we are already more than five
leagues from Frankfort. Our foray must be a success while I have two
such wise advisers as I find sitting here."

Neither of the men replied. Both were wondering how much their leader
had overheard. He took his place on the bench beside Ebearhard, and said
to him:

"I wish you to act as my second lieutenant. If anything happens to me,
Greusel takes my place and you take his. This, by the way, is an
appointment, rather than an election. It is not to be put before the
guild. You simply act as second lieutenant, and that is all there is
about it."

"Very good, Commander," said Ebearhard.

"Greusel, how much money have you?"

"Thirty thalers."

"Economical man! Will you lend me the sum until we reach
Assmannshausen?"

"Certainly." Greusel pulled forth his wallet, poured out the gold, and
Rolan