ch is much larger, possesses the advantage to tired men of
being half a league nearer."

The spokesman seemed taken aback by Roland's nonchalant attitude.

"We do not know the road to Wiesbaden, and, indeed, are in some doubt
whether or no we can find our way to Sonnenberg with darkness coming
on."

"Then if I were you, I shouldn't attempt it. Why not eat your supper,
and drink your wine in this sheltering grove?"

"By that time it will be as dark as Erebus," protested the spokesman.

"Then remain here, as I suggested, for the night."

"No; we are determined to reach Sonnenberg. A storm impends."

"In that case, gentlemen, don't let me detain you. The gloom thickens as
you spend your time in talk."

"Oh, that's all very well, but when we reach Sonnenberg we shall need
money."

"So you will."

"And we intend to secure it."

"Quite right."

"We demand from you three thalers for each man."

"Oh, you want the money from me?"

"Yes, we do."

"That would absorb all the funds I possess."

"No matter. We mean to have it."

"You propose to take it from me by force?"

"Yes."

"Ah, well, such being the case, perhaps it would be better for me to
yield willingly?"

"I think so."

"I quite agree with you. There are eighteen of you, all armed with
swords, while I control but one blade."

Saying this he unfastened his cloak, which he had put on in the
gathering chill of the evening, and untying from his belt a well-filled
wallet, held it up to their gaze.

"As this bag undisputedly belongs to me, I have a right to dispose of it
as I choose. I therefore give it to the brook, whose outcry is as
insistent as yours, and much more musical."

"Stop, Roland, stop!" shouted Ebearhard, but the warning came too late.
The young man flung the bag into the torrent, where it disappeared in a
smother of foam. He rose to his feet and drew his sword.

"If you wish a fight now, it will be for the love of it, no filthy lucre
being at stake."

"By Plutus, you are an accursed fool!" cried the spokesman, making no
further show of aggression now that nothing but steel was to be gained
by a contest.

"A fool; yes!" said Roland. "And therefore the better qualified to lead
all such. Now go to Sonnenberg, or go to Hades!"

The men did neither. They sat down under the trees, ate their supper,
and drank their wine.

"Will you dine with me?" said Roland, approaching his two gloomy
lieutenants, who stood silent at some distan