d," said Kurzbold, "I fear you bear resentment,
for you are giving the captain orders instead of telling him to obey
mine."

"Kurzbold, you are mistaken. I resign command with great pleasure, and,
indeed, Greusel and Ebearhard will testify that I had already determined
to pass Furstenberg unseen. As my former lieutenants are disarmed,
surely the company, with eighteen swords, is not so frightened as to
keep them gagged and bound. 'Tis no wonder you wish to avoid the
Laughing Baron, if that is all the courage you possess."

Stung by these taunts, Kurzbold gruffly ordered his men to release their
prisoners, but when the gags were removed, and before the cords were
cut, he addressed the lieutenants:

"Do you give me your words not to make any further resistance, if I
permit you to remain unbound?"

"I give you my word on nothing, you mutinous dog!" cried Greusel; "and
if I did, how could you expect me to keep it after such an example of
treachery from you who pledged your faith, and then broke it? I shall
obey my Commander, and none other."

"I am your Commander," asserted Kurzbold.

"You are not," proclaimed Greusel.

Ebearhard laughed.

"No need to question me," he said. "I stand by my colleagues."

"Gag them again," ordered Kurzbold.

"No, no!" cried Roland. "We are quite helpless. Give your words,
gentlemen."

Gloomily Greusel obeyed, and merrily Ebearhard. Darkness was now
gathering, and when it fell completely the three men were put off into
the forest.

"You have not yet," said Kurzbold to Roland, "ordered the captain to
obey me. I do not object to that, but it will be the worse for him and
his men if they refuse to accept my instructions."

"Do you know this district, Captain Blumenfels?" asked Roland.

"Yes, mein Herr."

"Is there a path along the top that will lead us behind Furstenberg on
to Bacharach?"

"Yes, mein Herr, but it is a very rough track."

"Is it too far for you to guide us there, and return before the moon
rises?"

"Oh no, mein Herr, I can conduct you to the trail in half an hour if you
consent to climb lustily."

"Very good. Herr Kurzbold, if you are not impatient to be off, and will
permit the captain to direct us on our way, I will tell him to obey
you."

"How long before you can return, captain?" asked Kurzbold.

"I can be back well within the hour, mein Herr."

"You will obey me if the late Commander orders you to do so?"

"Yes, mein Herr."

"Captain," said Ro