prisoners.

"Against you four I bear resentment that I thought could not be appeased
except by your expulsion, but reflection shows me that you acted under
instruction from the foolish leader you selected, and therefore the
principal, not the agent, is most to blame. I give you the same choice I
have accorded to the rest. Unloose them, captain; and while this is
being done, Greusel, get two empty bags from the locker, open one of the
casks, and place in each bag an amount which you estimate to be one half
the share which is Kurzbold's due."

The four men standing up took the oath, and thanked Roland for his
mercy, hurrying away at a sign from him to their bread and wine.

"Send hither," cried Roland after them, "two of the men who have already
refreshed themselves, each with a loaf of bread and a full flagon of
wine. And now, captain, release Kurzbold and Gensbein."

When these two stood up and stretched themselves, the bearers of bread
and wine presented them with this refreshment, and after they had
partaken of it, Greusel gave them each a bag of gold, which they tied to
their belts without a word, while Greusel and Ebearhard waited to escort
them to land.

"We want our swords," said Kurzbold sullenly.

Ebearhard looked at his chief, but he shook his head.

"They have disgraced their swords," he said, "which now by right belong
to the Margrave Hermann von Katznellenbogenstahleck. Put them ashore,
lieutenant."

It was broad daylight, and the men had all come up from the cabin,
standing in a silent group at the stern. Kurzbold, on the bank, foaming
at the mouth with fury, shook his fist at them, roaring:

"Cowards! Pigs! Dolts! Asses! Poltroons!"

The men made no reply, but Ebearhard's hearty laugh rang through the
forest.

"You have given us your titles, Kurzbold," he cried. "Send us your
address whenever you get one!"

"Captain," said Roland, "cast off. Cross to this side of that island,
and tie up there for the day. Set a man on watch, relieving the sentinel
every two hours. We have spent an exciting night, and will sleep till
evening."

"Your honor, may I first stow away these bales, and dispose of the
battle-axes, spears, and broadswords, so to clear the deck?"

"You may do that, captain, at sunset. As for the bales, they make a very
comfortable couch upon which I intend to rest."

XIV

THE PRISONER OF EHRENFELS

There is inspiration in the sight of armed men marching steadily
togeth