Roland, suddenly checking himself, "give to me in writing the
amount of gold I have sent you."

The unsuspecting merchant did so, and Roland's eyes opened with
astonishment when he glanced at the total. He then placed the paper in
the wallet he carried.

"You were perhaps about to suggest that a committee be appointed,"
ventured the merchant.

"Yes; a small but capable committee, of which you shall be chairman and
treasurer. But first you will ask the merchants to subscribe, out of
their known wealth, a sum equaling the gold I filched from the Barons."

The merchant's face fell, and took on a doleful expression.

"The times, your Highness, have long been very bad, none of us making
money--"

The Prince held up his hand, and the merchant ceased his plaint.

"If I can strip a Baron of his wealth," he said, "I will not waste words
over the fleecing of merchants. This contribution is to be given in the
name of the three Archbishops, whose heavy hands came down on you after
the late insurrection. The Archbishops have now nine thousand troops in
Frankfort. If given leave, they will collect the sum three times over
within a very few hours; so you, as chairman of the committee, may
decide whether the fund shall be a voluntary contribution or an impost
gathered by soldiery: it matters nothing to me. Have it proclaimed
throughout the city that owing to the graciousness of the three
Archbishops starvation is now at an end in Frankfort."

"Highness, with your permission, and all due deference, it seems rather
unjust that we should contribute the cash and lose the credit."

"Yes, Herr Goebel; this is a very unjust world, as doubtless many of the
starving people thought when they recollected that a few hundred of you
possessed vast wealth while they were penniless. Nevertheless, there are
good times ahead for all of us. Let me suggest that this money which I
sent to you may prove sufficient and so the subscriptions of the
merchants can be returned to them; that is, if the relief fund is
honestly administered. So set to work early to-morrow with energy. You
merchants have had a long vacation. I think the Rhine will be open
before many weeks are past, and then you can turn to your money-making,
but our first duty is to feed the hungry. Good-night, Herr Goebel."

He left the merchant as dazed as was the Archbishop. Once again outside
he made directly for the wine cellar of the Rheingold. On reaching the
steps he heard a roar