prevent you from rendering
a decision in the men's favor?"

"No. If they present reasons that convince Greusel and Ebearhard against
the attack on Furstenberg, I shall do what these two men advise, even
although I myself believe in a contrary course. Thus you see, Herr
Kurzbold, that my admitted dislike of you shall not come into play at
all."

"That is quite satisfactory," said Kurzbold. "Will you tie up against
the farther shore until your decision is rendered?"

"With pleasure," replied Roland; and accordingly the raiders tumbled
impetuously on board the barge, whereupon the sailors bent to their long
oars, and quickly reached the western bank, at a picturesque spot out of
sight of any castle, where the trees came down the mountain-side to the
water's edge. Here the sailors, springing ashore, tied their stout ropes
to the tree-trunks, and the great barge lay broadside on to the land,
with her nose pointing down the stream.

"You see," said Roland to his lieutenants, "without giving way in the
least I allow you two the decision, and so I take it Furstenberg or
ourselves will escape disaster on this occasion."

"Aside from all other considerations," replied the cautious Greusel, "I
think it good diplomacy on this occasion to agree with the men, since
they have stated their case so deferentially. They are improving,
Commander."

"It really looks like it," he agreed. "You and Ebearhard had better go
aft, and counsel them to begin the conference at once, for if we are to
attack we must do so before darkness sets in. I'll remain here as usual
at the prow."

Some of the men were strolling about the deck, but the majority remained
in the cabin, down whose steps the lieutenants descended. Roland's
impatience increased with the waning of the light.

Suddenly a cry that was instantly smothered rose from the cabin, then a
shout:

"Treachery! Look out for yourself!"

Roland attempted to stride forward, but four men fell on him, pinioning
his arms to his side, preventing the drawing of his weapon. Kurzbold,
with half a dozen others, mounted on deck.

"Disarm him!" he commanded, and one of the men drew Roland's sword from
its sheath, flinging it along the deck to Kurzbold's feet. The others
now came up, bringing the two lieutenants, both gagged, with their arms
tied behind them. Roland ceased his struggles, which he knew to be
fruitless.

"We wish an amicable settlement of this matter," said Kurzbold,
addressing t