y that we should carry away every kreuzer our friend Stahleck
possesses. Call, therefore, every man except one from the door. Greusel
has the keys, and will lead you to the treasury. Hoist the bags to the
north window. While your men are doing this, rive a stout rope so that
you may all speedily descend to the rocks, except as many as are
necessary to lower the bags. When this is accomplished, Greusel is to
report to me from the balcony, and then descend, taking with him the man
on guard at the door. Apportion men and bags in all the boats but one.
That one I shall take charge of. Put Greusel in command of the flotilla,
and tell him to convey his fleet as quietly as possible to the eastern
shore; then paddle up in slack water until he is, say, a third of a
league above Pfalz. There he must await my skiff. You will stand by that
skiff until I join you. I shall likely be accompanied by three women, so
retain the largest and most comfortable of the small boats."

Ebearhard raised his eyebrows at the mention of the women, but said
nothing.

Roland went in person to the room occupied by the young woman, and
knocked at her door, whereupon it was opened very promptly.

"Madam," he said, "there is opportunity for escape if you care to avail
yourself of it."

The girl had been seated when he entered, but now she rose, speaking in
a voice that was rather tremulous.

"Sir, I was wrong to disobey you when you had treated me so kindly. I
shall therefore punish myself by remaining where I am."

"In that case, Madam, you will punish me as well; and, indeed, I deserve
it, forgetting as I did for the moment that I addressed a lady. If you
will give me the pleasure of escorting you, I shall conduct you in
safety to whatever place of refuge you wish to reach."

"Sir, you are most courteous, but I fear my intended destination might
take you farther afield than would be convenient for you."

"My time is my own, and nothing could afford me greater gratification
than the assurance of your security. Tell me your destination."

"It is the Convent of Nonnenwerth, situated on an island larger than
this, near Rolandseck."

"I shall be happy to convoy you thither."

"Again I thank you. It is my desire to join the Sisterhood there."

"Not to become a nun?" cried Roland, an intonation of disappointment in
his voice.

"Yes; although to this determination my guardian is opposed."

"Alas," said Roland, with a sigh, "I confess myself in a