of talk, lightened now and then by the sound of
laughter. He paused a moment before descending. It was evident that the
company was enjoying itself, and Roland soliloquized somewhat sadly:

"I am the disturbing element in that group. They seem to agree famously
when by themselves. Ah, well, no matter. They will soon be rid of me!"

When Roland descended the stair, the proprietor greeted him with joy.

"I have missed you, Herr Roland," he said, "so you may imagine how much
the guild has regretted your absence."

"Yes; I hear them bemoaning their fate."

The inn-keeper laughed.

"How many are here to-night?"

"There is a full house, Sir Roland."

"Really? Are Kurzbold and Gensbein within?"

"Oh, yes; and there is no scarcity of money, thanks to you, I
understand."

"Rather, our thanks are for ever due to you, Herr Host, for sustaining
us so long when we were penniless. We shall never forget that," and so
with a semi-military salute to the gratified cellar-man, Roland pushed
open the door and entered the banqueting room of the iron-workers'
guild. An instant silence fell on the group.

"Good evening to you, gentlemen," said the Prince, taking off his hat,
and with a twist of his shoulders flinging the cloak from them.

Instantly arose a great cheer, and Greusel, who occupied the chair at
the head of the table, strode forward, took Roland's hat and cloak, and
hung them up. After that he attempted to lead their Captain to the seat
of honor.

"No, no, my dear lieutenant," said Roland, placing his hand
affectionately on the other's shoulder, "a better man than I occupies
the chair, and shall never be displaced by me."

The others, now on their feet, with the exception of Kurzbold and
Gensbein, vociferously demanded that Roland take the chair. Smilingly he
shook his head, and holding up his hand for silence, addressed them.

"Take your seats, comrades; and, Greusel, if you force me to give a
command, I order you into that chair without further protest."

Greusel, with evident reluctance, obeyed.

"Truth to tell, brothers, I have but a few moments to stop. I merely
dropped in to enjoy a sip of wine with you, and to offer a proposal
that, within five minutes, will make me the most unpopular man in this
room, therefore you see my wisdom in refusing a chair from which I
should be very promptly ejected."

One of the members poured a tankard full of wine from a flagon, and
handed it to Roland, who, saluting the