at a triumph of
influence that would be! By the Three Kings, I'd like to do it! I admire
him. If I found opportunity and could persuade him to join us in the
relief of Frankfort, and in opening the Rhine to commerce, we would give
these inane merchants a lesson in organization."

Greusel rose from his chair, poured out another tankard full from the
flagon, and drank it off.

"I must go down now and meet the guild," he said. "I have eaten nothing
all day, and am as hungry as a wolf from the Taunus."

"Oh, how did you escape, by the way?"

"I didn't escape. I was led blindfolded into a tent, where my bandage
was removed, and here a man in ordinary dress questioned me concerning
my object in entering the forest. I told him exactly the truth, and
explained what we were trying to do in Frankfort. I dare say I looked
honest and rather stupid. He asked when I set out; in what direction I
came; questioning me with a great affectation of indifference; wanted to
know if I had met many persons, and I told him quite truthfully I met no
one but the man I understood was a forester; a keeper, I supposed."

"'There are a number of us,' he said, 'hunting the wild boar, and we do
not wish the animal life of these woods to be disturbed. We shall not be
here longer than a week, but I advise you to seek another spot for what
timber you require.'

"He asked me, finally, if any one in Frankfort knew I had come to the
forest, and I answered that the guild of twenty knew, and that we were
all to meet to-night at the Rheingold tavern to report. He pondered for
a while on this statement, and I suppose reached the conclusion that if
I did not return to Frankfort, this score of men might set out in the
morning to search for me, it being well known that the forest is
dangerous on account of wild boars. So, as if it were of no consequence,
he blindfolded me again, apologizing privately for doing so, saying it
was quite unnecessary in the first instance, but as the guard had done
so, he did not wish to censure him by implication.

"I answered that it did not matter at all, but desired him to order my
wrists released, which was done."

"I must say," commented Roland, "that the Archbishop of Mayence is well
served by his officers. Your examiner was a wise man."

"Yes," replied Greusel, "but nevertheless, I am telling my story here in
Frankfort."

"No difference for that, because, as I have said, we can do nothing.
Still, it is a blessing you