, that this is my last visit to the guild, and never again
shall I disturb its harmony."

"There is no lack of harmony," cried Ebearhard, laughing, as he rose.
"The agreement has been practically unanimous--quite unanimous in fact,
among those entitled to share in the great treasure. I believe Herr
Kurzbold has a claim, if it has not been forfeited, to the loot of
Rheinstein."

"Now, even the genial Ebearhard," continued Kurzbold, "although his
words are blameless, speaks with a certain tone of acerbity, while my
friend Greusel has become gruff as a bear."

"You need not labor that point, Herr Kurzbold," said Roland. "I have
resigned."

"I just wished to remark," Kurzbold went on, "that I rose for the
purpose of stating I had some slight share in something; stolen
property; honor among thieves, you know. Are my rights to this share
disputed?"

"No," said the chairman shortly.

"Very well," concluded Kurzbold, "as I am graciously permitted to speak
in the august presence of our ex-Captain, I desire to say that whatever
my share happens to be, I bestow it gladly, nay, exultantly, upon the
poor of Frankfort."

With that Kurzbold sat down, and there was first a roar of laughter,
followed by a clapping of hands. Gensbein rose, and said briefly:

"I do as Kurzbold does."

"Now," said Roland, "I want a number of volunteers to start out into the
country early to-morrow morning, Greusel, you, as chairman, will
designate the routes. Each man is to penetrate as far as he can along
the main roads, asking the farmers to bring everything in the shape of
food they have to sell. Tell them a vast sum has been collected, and
that their cartloads will be bought entire the moment they enter the
city. There will be no waiting for their money. Prompt payment, and
everything eatable purchased immediately. Greusel, I put on you the
hardest task. Penetrate into the forest south of the Main, and tell the
charcoal-burners and woodmen to bring in material for kitchen fires. How
many will volunteer?"

Every man rose. Roland thanked them. "I shall now divulge a secret, and
you will see that when it was told to me I remembered your interests. It
has been my privilege to meet, since I saw you, more than one man who is
a ruler in this Empire."

"Did they tell you who is to be the new Emperor?" cried one.

"That is known only to the Electors. But what I was about to say is
this. There are to be established by the Government ironworks on