e is sufficient explanation,
and as you recall to my mind his instructions, I believe something of
this must have suggested itself to him even that early in the day. He
has divested himself of every particle of money in his possession,
turning it over to you, but instead of returning to Frankfort he has
made his way over the hills to Assmannshausen, and will await us there."

"What would be the object of that?"

"One reason may be that he will learn whether or not you have enough
control over these people to bring them to the Rhine. He will satisfy
himself that your discipline is such as to improve their manners. It may
be in his mind to resign, and make you leader, if you prove yourself
able to control them."

"Suppose I fail in that?"

"Well, then--this is all fancy, remember--I imagine he may look round
Assmannshausen to find another company who will at least obey him."

"What you say sounds very reasonable. Still, I do not see why he should
have left two friends like us without a word."

"A word, my dear Greusel, would have led to another, and another, and
another. One of the first questions asked him would be 'But what are
Ebearhard and I to do?' That's exactly what he doesn't wish to answer.
He desires to know what you will do of your own accord. He is likely
rather hopeless about this mob, but is giving you an opportunity, and
then another chance. Why, his design is clear as that rivulet there, and
as easily seen through. You will either bring those men across the
hills, or you won't. If you and I are compelled to clamber over to
Assmannshausen alone, Roland will probably be more pleased to see us
than if we brought this rogues' contingent straggling at our heels. He
will appoint you chief officer of his new company, and me the second. If
you doubt my conclusions, I'll wager twenty-five thalers against your
thirty that I am in the right."

"I never gamble, Ebearhard, especially when certain to lose. You are a
shrewder man than I, by a long bowshot."

In a work of fiction it would of course be concealed till the proper
time came that all of these men were completely wrong in their
prognostications regarding the fate of Roland, but this being history it
may be stated that the young man had not the least desire to test
Greusel's ability, nor would his lieutenants find him awaiting them when
they reached Assmannshausen.

"Hello! Rouse up there! What have we for breakfast? Has all the wine
been drunk? I hop