The Sword Maker Page 3

  III

  DISSENSION IN THE IRONWORKERS' GUILD

  Up to the time of his midnight awakening, Prince Roland had led acare-free, uneventful life. Although he received the general educationsupposed to be suitable for a youth of his station, he interestedhimself keenly in only two studies, but as one of these challenged theother, as it were, the result was entirely to the good. He was a veryquiet boy, much under the influence of his mother, seeing little ornothing of his easy-going, inebriated father. It was his mother whoturned her son's attention towards the literature of his country, and hebecame an omnivorous reader of the old monkish manuscripts with whichthe Palace was well supplied. Especially had his mind been attracted bythe stories and legends of the Rhine. The mixture of history, fiction,and superstition which he found in these vellum pages, so daintilylimned, and so artistically embellished with initial letters in gold andcrimson and blue, fascinated him, and filled him with that desire to seethose grim strongholds on the mountain-sides by the river, which lateron resulted in his journey from Ehrenfels to Bonn, when his ingenuity,and the cupidity of his custodian, freed him from the very slightthraldom in which he was held by the Archbishop of Mayence.

  If his attention had been entirely absorbed by the reading of thesetomes, he might have become a mere dreamy bookworm, his intellectsaturated with the sentimental and romantic mysticism permeating Germanyeven unto this day, and, as he cared nothing for the sports of boyhood,body might have suffered as brain developed.

  But, luckily, he had been placed under the instruction of Rinaldo, thegreatest master of the sword that the world had up to that periodproduced. Rinaldo was an Italian from Milan, whom gold tempted acrossthe Alps for the purpose of instructing the Emperor's son in Frankfort.He was a man of grace and politeness, and young Roland took to him fromthe first, exhibiting such aptitude in the art of fencing that theItalian was not only proud of one who did such credit to his tuition,but came to love the youth as if he were his own son.

  For the sword-making of Germany the Italian expressed the utmostcontempt. The coarse weapons produced by the ironworkers of Frankfortneeded strength rather than skill in their manipulation. Between theItalian method and the German was all the contrast that exists betweenthe catching of salmon with a delicate line and a gossamer fly, orclubbing the fish to death as did the boatmen at that fishery called theWaag down the Rhine by St. Goar.

  Roland listened intently and without defense to the diatribe against hiscountry's weapons and the clumsy method of using them, but although hesaid nothing, he formed opinions of his own, believing there was somemerit in strength which the Italian ignored; so, studying the subject,he himself invented a sword which, while lacking the stoutness of theGerman weapon, retained some of its stability, and was almost as easilyhandled as the Italian rapier, without the disadvantage of its extremefrailty.

  Thus it came about that young Roland stole away from the Palace and madethe acquaintance of the sword makers. The practice of fencing exercisesevery muscle in the body, and Roland's constant bouts with Rinaldo didmore than make him a master of the weapon, with equal facility in hisright arm or his left; it produced an athlete of the first quality;agile and strong, developing his physical powers universally, and not inany one direction.

  Meanwhile Roland remained deplorably ignorant regarding affairs ofState, this being a subject of which his mother knew nothing. TheEmperor, who should have been his son's natural teacher, gave his wholeattention to the wine-flagon, letting affairs drift towards disaster,allowing the power that deserted his trembling fingers to be grasped bystronger but unauthorized hands. Roland's surreptitious excursions intothe city to confer with the sword makers taught him little of politics,for his conversations with these mechanics were devoted entirely tometal-working. He was hustled now and again by the turbulent mob, ingoing to and fro, but he did not know why it clamored, and, indeed, tooklittle interest in the matter, conscious only that he came more and moreto hate the city and loathe its inhabitants. When he could have his ownway, he said to himself, he would retire to some country castle whichhis father owned, and there devote himself to such employment as fell inwith his wishes.

  But he was to receive a sharp lesson that no man, however highly placed,is independent of his fellows. He was unaware of the commotion thatarose round his own name, and of the grim hanging of the leaders whochose him as their supreme head. When, bewildered and sleepy, he wasaroused at midnight, and saw three armed men standing by his bedside, hereceived a shock that did more to awaken him than the grip of alienhands on his shoulders. During that night ride in the boat he saidnothing but thought much. He had heard his mother plead for him withoutfor a moment delaying his departure. She, evidently, was powerless.There was then in the land a force superior to that of the Throne.Something that had been said quieted his mother's fears, for at last sheallowed him to go without further protest, but weeping a little, andembracing him much. There was no roughness or rudeness on the part ofthose who conveyed him down the river Main, and finally along the Rhineto Ehrenfels, but rather the utmost courtesy and deference, yet Rolandremained silent throughout the long journey, agitated by this new,invisible, irresistible sovereignty animated with the will and power todo what it liked with him.

  At the Castle of Ehrenfels he found awaiting him no rigorousimprisonment. He was treated as a welcome guest of an invisible host. Itwas his conversations with the garrulous custodian, who was a shrewdobserver of the passing show, that gradually awakened the young Princeto some familiarity with the affairs of the country. He learned now inwhat a deplorable state the capital stood, through the ever-increasingexactions of the robber Barons along the Rhine. He asked his instructorwhy the merchants did not send their goods by some other route, whichwas a very natural query, but was told there existed no other route. Agreat forest extended for the most part between Frankfort and Cologne,and through the wilderness were no roads, for even those constructed bythe Romans had been allowed to fall into decay; overgrown with trees,Nature thus destroying the neglected handiwork of man; the forestreclaiming its own.

  "Indeed," continued the custodian, "for the last ten years things havebeen going to the devil, for the lack of a strong hand in the capital. Astrong hand is needed by nobles and outlaws alike. We want a newFrederick Barbarossa; the hangman's rope and the torch judiciouslyapplied might be the saving of the country."

  Ehrenfels, belonging to the Archbishop, was not a nest of piracy, and soits guardian could talk in this manner if he chose, but had he utteredthese sentiments farther down the Rhine, he would himself haveexperienced the utility of the hangman's rope. Roland, knowing by thistime who had taken him into custody, said:

  "Why do not the three Archbishops put a stop to it? They possess thepower."

  The old jailer shrugged his shoulders.

  "My chief, the great prelate of Mayence, would do it speedily enough ifhe stood alone, but the Archbishops of Treves have ever been robbersthemselves, and Cologne is little better, therefore they neutralize oneanother. No two of them will allow the other to act, fearing he may gainin power, and thus upset the balance of responsibility, which I assureyour Highness is very nicely adjusted. Each of the three claimallegiance from this Baron or the other, and although the Archbishopsthemselves may not lay toll directly on the Rhine, their ardentpartisans do, which produces a deadlock."

  Thus Roland received an education not to be had in palaces, and, sayinglittle beyond asking an occasional question, he thought much, and cameto certain conclusions. He arrived at an ambition to open the lordlyRhine and spent his time gathering knowledge and forming plans.

  Twelve hours after receiving the five hundred thalers from the merchant,he again presented himself at the now familiar door in the Fahrgasse. Inthe room on the first floor he found with Herr Goebel a thick-set,heavily-bearded, weather-beaten man, who stood bonnet in hand while themerchant gave him final instructions.

  "Good-morning, Sir Roland," cried Herr Goebel cheerfully. He exhibitedno resentment for his trea
tment of the night before, and apparentlydaylight brought with it renewed confidence that the young man mightsucceed in his mission. There was now no hesitation in the merchant'smanner; alert and decided, all mistrust seemed to have vanished. "Thisis Captain Blumenfels, whom I put in charge of the barge, and who hasgathered together a crew on which he can depend although, of course, youmust not expect them to fight."

  "No," said Roland, "I shall attend to that portion of the enterprise."

  "Now, Captain Blumenfels," continued Herr Goebel, "this young man iscommander. You are to obey him in every particular, just as you wouldobey me."

  The captain bowed without speaking.

  "I shall not detain you any longer, captain, as you will be anxious tosee the bales disposed of to your liking on the barge."

  The captain thereupon took himself off, and Roland came to theconclusion that he liked this rough-and-ready mariner with so little tosay for himself; a silent man of action, evidently.

  Herr Goebel turned his attention to Roland.

  "I have ordered bales of cloth to the value of a trifle more than fourthousand thalers to be placed in the barge," he said. "The bales arenumbered, and I have given the captain an inventory showing the price ofeach. I suppose you despise our vulgar traffic, and, indeed, I had nothought of asking so highly placed a person as yourself to sell mygoods, therefore Blumenfels will superintend the marketing when youreach Cologne--that is, if you ever get so far."

  "Your pardon, Herr Goebel, but I have my own plans regarding thedisposal of your goods. I intend to be quit of them long before I seeCologne. Indeed, should I prosper, I hope your boat will set its nosesouthward for the return journey some distance this side of Coblentz."

  The merchant gazed up at him in astonishment.

  "Your design is impossible. There is no sale for cloth nearer thanCoblentz. Your remarks prove you unacquainted with the river."

  "I have walked every foot of both sides of the river between Ehrenfelsand Bonn. There are many wealthy castles on this side of Coblentz."

  "True, my good sir, true; but how became they wealthy? Simply by robbingthe merchants. Are you not aware that each of these castles is inhabitedby a titled brigand? You surely do not expect to sell my cloth to theBarons?"

  "Why not? Remember how long it is since a cloth-barge went down theRhine. Think for a moment of the arduous life which these Barons lead,hunting the boar, the bear, and the deer, tearing recklessly throughthicket and over forest-covered ground. Why, our noble friends must bein rags by this time, or clad in the skins of the beasts they kill! Theywill be delighted to see and handle a piece of well-woven cloth oncemore."

  For a full minute the merchant gaped aghast at this senseless talk soseriously put forward; then a smile came to his lips.

  "Prince Roland, I begin to understand you. Your words are on a par withthe practical joke you played upon me so successfully last night. Ofcourse, you know as well as I that the Barons will buy nothing. Theywill take such goods as they want if you but give them opportunity. Whatyou say is merely your way of intimating it is none of my affair how thegoods are disposed of, so long as you hand over to me four thousandthalers."

  "Four thousand five hundred, if you please."

  "I shall be quite content with the four thousand, regarding the extrafive hundred as paid for services rendered. Now, can I do anythingfurther to aid you?"

  "Yes. I wish you to send a man on horseback to Lorch, there to await thebarge. Choose a man as silent as your captain; one whom you trustimplicitly, for I hope to send back with him four thousand five hundredthalers, and also some additional gold, which I beg of you to keepsafely for me until I return."

  "Prince Roland, there can be no gold for me at Lorch."

  "Dispatch a trustworthy man in case I receive the money. You will beanxious to know how we prosper, and I can at least forward a budget ofnews."

  "But should there be gold, he cannot return safely with it toFrankfort."

  "Oh, yes, if he keeps to the eastern bank of the Rhine. There is nocastle between Lorch and Frankfort except Ehrenfels, and that, being theproperty of the Archbishop, may be passed safely."

  "Very well. The man shall await you at Lorch. Inquire for Herr Kruger atMergler's Inn."

  That night, in the Kaiser cellar, another excellent supper was spreadbefore the members of the metal-workers' league. It was quite ashilarious as the banquet of the night before; perhaps more so, becausenow, for the first time in months, the athletic young men were well fed,with money in their pouches. Each was clad in a new suit of clothes.Nothing like uniformity in costume had been attempted, there being butone day in which to replenish the wardrobes, which involved theacquiring of garments already made. However no trouble was experiencedabout this, for each branch of the metal-workers had its own recognizedoutfit, which was kept on hand in all sizes by various dealers cateringto the wants of artisans, from apprentices to masters of their trade.The costumes were admirably adapted to the use for which they wereintended. There was nothing superfluous in their make-up, and, beingloosely cut, they allowed ample play to stalwart limbs. For dealing withmetal the wearers required a cloth tightly woven, of a texture as nearlyas possible resembling leather, and better accouterment for arough-and-tumble, freebooter's excursion could not have been found,short of coats of mail, or, failing that, of leather itself.

  Roland appeared in the trousers and doublet of a sword maker, and hiscomrades cheered loudly when he threw off his cloak and displayed forthe first time that he was actually one of themselves. Hithertosomething in the fashioning of his wearing apparel had in a mannerdifferentiated him from the rest of the company, but now nothing in hisdress indicated that he was leader of the coterie, and this pleased theindependent metal-workers.

  The previous night, after the landlord's bill was generously liquidated,each man had received upwards of thirty thalers. Roland then related tothem his adventure with the merchant, and the result of his sword-playin the vicinity of Herr Goebel's throat. Two accomplishments hepossessed endeared Roland to his comrades: first, the ability to sing agood song; and second, his talent for telling an interesting story,whether it was a personal adventure, a legend of the Rhine, or some taleof the gnomes which, as every one knows, haunt the gloomy forests in themountain regions. His account of the evening spent with Herr Goebelaroused much laughter and applause, which greatly augmented when thematerial advantages of the interview were distributed among the guild.

  This evening he purposed making a still more important disclosure; thuswhen the meal was finished, and the landlord, after replenishing theflagons, had retired, the new sword maker rose in his place at the headof the table.

  "I crave your strict attention for a few minutes. Although I refused toconfide my plans to Herr Goebel, I consider it my duty to inform youminutely of what is before us, and if I speak with some solemnity, it isbecause I realize we may never again meet around this table. We departfrom Frankfort to-morrow upon a hazardous expedition, and some of us maynot return."

  "Oh, I say, Roland," protested Conrad Kurzbold, "don't mar a jovialevening with a note of tragedy. It's bad art, you know."

  Kurzbold was one of the three actual sword makers, and had beenpresident of the guild until he gave place to Roland. He was the oldestof the company; an ambitious man, a glib talker, with great influenceamong his fellows, and a natural leader of them. What he said generallyrepresented the opinion of the gathering.

  "For once, Kurzbold, I must ask you to excuse me," persisted Roland. "Itis necessary that on this, the last, opportunity I should place beforeyou exactly what I intend to do. I am very anxious not to minimize thedanger. I wish no man to follow me blindfold, thus I speak early in theevening, that you may not be influenced by the enthusiasm of wine incoming to a decision. I desire each man here to estimate the risk, andchoose, before we separate to-night, whether or not he will accompanythe expedition.

  "Here is the compact made with Herr Goebel: I promised that, with thehelp of my comrades, I would ende
avor to open the Rhine to mercantiletraffic. On the strength of such promise he gave me the money."

  At this announcement rose a wild round of applause, and with the thunderof flagons on the table, and the shouting of each member, no singlevoice could make itself heard above the tumult. These lads had noconception of the perils they were to face, and Roland alone remainedimperturbable, becoming more and more serious as the uproar went on.When at last quiet was restored, he continued, with a gravity instriking contrast to the hilarity of his audience:

  "Herr Goebel is filling his largest barge with bales of cloth, and hehas engaged an efficient crew, and a capable captain who will assumecharge of the navigation. The barge will proceed to-morrow night downthe Main, leaving Frankfort as unostentatiously as possible, while wemarch across the country to Assmannshausen, and there join this craft.It is essential that no hint of our intention shall spread abroad ingossipy Frankfort, therefore, depending on Captain Blumenfels to get hisboat clear of the city without observation, and before the moon rises, Iask you to leave to-morrow separately by different gates, meeting me atHochst, something more than two leagues down the river. I dare say youall know the Elector's palace, whose beautiful tower is a landmark forthe country round."

  "I protest against such a rendezvous," objected Kurzbold. "Make it thetavern of the Nassauer Hof, Roland. We shall all be thirsty after a walkof two leagues."

  "Not at that time in the morning, I hope," said Roland, "for I shallawait you in the shadow of the tower at nine o'clock. Let every mandrink his fill to-night, for I intend to lead a sober company fromHochst to-morrow."

  "Oh, you're optimistic, Roland," cried John Gensbein. "Give us tilltwelve o'clock to cool our heads."

  "Drink all you wish this evening," repeated Roland, "but to-morrow webegin our work, with a long day's march ahead of us, so nine is none tooearly for a start from Hochst."

  "Sufficient to the day is the wine thereof," said Conrad Kurzbold,rising to his feet. "Wine, blessed liquor as it is, possessesnevertheless one defect, which blot on its escutcheon is that it cannotcarry over till next day, except in so far as a headache is concerned,and a certain dryness of the mouth. It is futile to bid us lay in asupply to-night that will be of any use to-morrow morning. For my part,I give you warning, Roland, that I shall make directly for the NassauerHof, or for the Schone Aussicht, where they keep most excellentvintages."

  To this declaration Roland made no reply, but continued his explanatoryremarks.

  "We shall join the barge, as I have said, above Assmannshausen, probablyat night, and then cross directly over the river. The first castle withwhich I intend to deal is that celebrated robber's roost, Rheinstein,standing two hundred and sixty feet above the water. Disembarking abouta league up the river from Rheinstein, before daybreak we will all lieconcealed in the forest within sight of the Castle gates. When the sunis well risen, Captain Blumenfels will navigate his boat down the river,and as it approaches Rheinstein we shall probably enjoy the privilege ofseeing the gates open wide, as the company from the Castle descendprecipitously to the water. While they rifle the barge we shall riflethe Castle, overpowering whoever we may find there, and taking in returnfor the cloth they steal such gold or silver as the treasury affords. Wewill then imprison all within the Castle, so that a premature alarm maynot be given. If we are hurried, we may lock them in cellars, or placethem in dungeons, then leave the Castle with our booty, but I do notpurpose descending to the river until we have traversed a league or moreof the mountain forest, where we may remain concealed until the bargeappears, and so take ship again.

  "The next castle is Falkenberg, the third Sonneck, both on the same sideof the river as Rheinstein, and within a short distance from thestronghold, but the plan with each being the same as that alreadyoutlined, it is not necessary for me to repeat it."

  "An excellent arrangement!" cried several; but John Gensbein spoke up incriticism.

  "Is there to be no fighting?" he asked. "I expected you to say thatafter we had secured the gold we would fall on the robbers to the rear,and smite them hip and thigh."

  "There is likely to be all the fighting you can wish for," repliedRoland, "for at some point our scheme may go awry. It is not myintention to attack, but I expect you to fight like heroes in our owndefense."

  "I agree with Herr Roland," put in Conrad Kurzbold, rising to his feet."If we purpose to win our way down to Cologne, it is unnecessary tosearch for trouble, because we shall find enough of it awaiting us atone point or another. But Roland stopped his account at what seems to methe most interesting juncture. What is the destination of the gold weloot from the castles?"

  "The first call upon our accumulation will be the payment of fourthousand five hundred thalers to Herr Goebel."

  "Oh, damn the merchant!" cried Conrad. "We are risking our lives, and Idon't see why he should reach out his claws. He will profit enoughthrough our exertions if we open the Rhine."

  "True; but that was the bargain I made with him. We risk our lives, asyou say, but he risks his goods, besides providing barge, captain, andcrew. He also furnished us with the five hundred thalers now in ourpockets. We must deal honestly with the man who has supported us in thebeginning."

  "Oh, very well," growled Kurzbold, "have it your own way; but in myopinion the merchants should combine and raise a fund with which toreward us for our exertions if we succeed. Still, I shall not press mycontention in the face of an overwhelming sentiment against me. However,I should like to speak to our leader on one matter which it seemedungracious to mention last night. The merchant offered him a thousandthalers in gold, and he, with a generosity which I must point out to himwas exercised at our expense, returned half that money to Herr Goebel. Iconfess that all I received has been spent; my hand is lonesome when itenters my pouch. I should be glad of that portion which might have beenmine (and when I speak for myself, I speak for all) were it not for themisplaced prodigality of our leader who, possessing the money, was sothoughtless of our fellowship that he actually handed over five hundredthalers to a man who had not the slightest claim upon it."

  "Herr Kurzbold," said Roland, with some severity, "many penniless nightspassed over our heads in this room. If you know so much better than Ihow to procure money, why did you not do so? I should not venture tocriticise a man who, without any effort on my part, placed thirtythalers at my disposal."

  There was a great clamor at this, every one except Kurzbold, who stoodstubbornly in his place, and Gensbein, who sat next to him, becomingvociferous in defense of their leader.

  "It is uncomrade-like," cried Ebearhard above the din, "to spend themoney and then growl."

  "I speak in the interests of us all," shouted Kurzbold. "In theinterests of our leader, no less than ourselves," but the others howledhim down.

  Roland, holding up his right hand, seemed to request silence andobtained it.

  "I am rather glad," he said, "that this discussion has arisen, becausethere is still time to amend our programme. Herr Goebel's barge will notbe loaded until to-morrow night, so the order may even yet becountermanded. The five hundred thalers which belonged to me I saynothing about, but the five hundred advanced by Herr Goebel must bereturned to him unless we are in perfect unanimity."

  At this suggestion Kurzbold sat down with some suddenness.

  "I told you, when I left this room, promising to find the money within aweek, that one condition was the backing of my fellows. You empowered meto pledge the efforts of our club as though it contained but one man. Ifthat promise is not to be kept in spirit as well as in letter, I shallretire from the position I now hold, and you may elect in my steadConrad Kurzbold, John Gensbein, or any one else that pleases you. Butfirst I must be in a position to give back intact Herr Goebel's money;then, as I have divulged to you my plans, Conrad Kurzbold may approachhim, and make better terms than I was able to arrange."

  There were cries of "Nonsense! Nonsense!" "Don't take a littleopposition in that spirit, Roland." "We are all free-speaking comrades,you kno
w." "You are our leader, and must remain so."

  Kurzbold rose to his feet for the third time.

  "Literally and figuratively, my friend Roland has me on the hip, for myhip-pocket contains no money, and it is impossible for me to refund. Iimagine, if the truth were told, we are all more or less in the samecondition, for we have had equipment to buy, and what-not."

  "Also Hochheimer," said one, at which there was a laugh, as Kurzbold wasnoted for his love of good wine. Up to this point Roland had carried theassemblage with him, but now he made an injudicious remark thatinstantly changed the spirit of the room.

  "I am astonished," he said, "that any objection should be made to thefair treatment of Herr Goebel, for you are all of the merchant class,and should therefore hold by one of your own order."

  He could proceed no farther. Standing there, pale and determined, he wassimply stormed down. His ignorance of affairs, of which on severaloccasions the merchant himself had complained, led him quiteunconsciously to touch the pride of his hearers. It was John Gensbeinwho angrily gave expression to the sentiment of the meeting.

  "To what class do _you_ belong, I should like to know? Do you claimaffinity with the merchant class? If you do, you are no leader of ours.I inform you, sir, that we are skilled artisans, with the craft to turnout creditable work, while the merchants are merely the vendors of ourproducts. Which, therefore, takes the higher place in a community, andwhich deserves it better: he who with artistic instinct unites theefforts of brain and hand to produce wares that are at once beautifuland useful, or he who merely chaffers over his counter to get as muchlucre as he can for the creations that come from our benches?"

  To Roland's aristocratic mind, every man who lacked noble blood in hisveins stood on the same level, and it astonished him that any mereplebeian should claim precedence over another. He himself feltimmeasurably superior to those present, sensible of a fathomless gulfbetween him and them, which he, in his condescension, might cross assuited his whim, but over which none might follow him back again; andthis, he was well aware, they would be the first to admit did they butknow his actual rank.

  For a moment he was tempted to acknowledge his identity, and crush themby throwing the crown at their heads, but some hitherto undiscoveredstubbornness in his nature asserted itself, arousing a determination tostand or fall by whatever strength of character he might possess.

  "I withdraw that remark," he said, as soon as he could obtain a hearing."I not only withdraw it, but I apologize to you for my folly in makingit. It was merely thoughtlessness on my part, and, resting on yourgenerosity, I should like you to consider the words unsaid."

  Once more eighteen of the twenty swung round to his side. Roland nowturned his attention to Conrad Kurzbold, ignoring John Gensbein, who hadsat down flushed after his declamation, bewildered by the mutability ofthe many as Coriolanus had been before him.

  "Herr Kurzbold," began Roland sternly, "have you any further criticismto offer?"

  "No; but I stand by what I have already said."

  "Well, I thank you for your honest expression of that determination, andI announce that you cannot accompany this expedition."

  Again Roland instantaneously lost the confidence of his auditors, andthey were not slow in making him of the fact.

  "This is simply tyranny," said Ebearhard. "If a man may not open hismouth without running danger of expulsion, then all comradeship is at anend, and I take it that good comradeship is the pivot on which thisorganization turns. I do not remember that we ever placed it in thepower of our president merely by his own word to cast out one of us fromthe fellowship. I may add, Roland, that you seem to harbor strange ideasconcerning rank and power. I have been a member of this guild muchlonger than you, and perhaps understand better its purpose. Our leaderis not elected to govern a band of serfs. Indeed, and I say it subjectto correction from my friends, the very opposite is the case. Our leaderis our servant, and must conduct himself as we order. It is not for himto lay down the law to us, but whatever laws exist for our governance,and I thank Heaven there are few of them, must be settled in conclave bya majority of the league."

  "Right! Right!" was the unanimous cry, and when Ebearhard sat down allwere seated except Roland, who stood at the end of the table with paleface and compressed lips.

  "We are," he said, "about to set out against the Barons of the Rhine,entrenched in their strong castles. Hitherto these men have beencompletely successful, defying alike the Government and the people. Itwas my hope that we might reverse this condition of things. Now, BrotherEbearhard, name me a single Baron along the whole length of the Rhinewho would permit one of his men-at-arms to bandy words with him on anysubject whatever."

  "I should hope," replied Ebearhard, "that we do not model our conductafter that of a robber."

  "The robbers, I beg to point out to you, Ebearhard, are successful. Itis success we are after, also a portion of that gold of which HerrKurzbold has pathetically proclaimed his need."

  "Do you consider us your men-at-arms, then, in the same sense that aRhine Baron would employ the term?"

  "Certainly."

  "You claim the liberty of expelling any one you choose?"

  "Yes; I claim the liberty to hang any of you if I find it necessary."

  "Oh, the devil!" cried Ebearhard, sitting down as if this went beyondhim. He gazed up and down the table as much as to say, "I leave this inyour hands, gentlemen."

  The meeting gave immediate expression of its agreement with Ebearhard.

  "Gentlemen," said Roland, "I insist that Conrad Kurzbold apologizes tome for the expressions he has used, and promises not again to offend inlike manner."

  "I'll do nothing of the sort," asserted Kurzbold, with equal firmness.

  "In that case," exclaimed Roland, "I shall retire, and I ask you to putme in a position to repay Herr Goebel the money I extracted from him. Iresign the very thankless office of so-called leadership."

  At this several wallets came out upon the table, but their contentsclinked rather weakly. The majority of the guild sat silent and soberedby the crisis that had so unexpectedly come upon them. Joseph Greusel,seeing that no one else made a move, uprose, and spoke slowly. He was aman who never had much to say for himself; a listener rather than atalker, in whom Roland reposed great confidence, believing him to be onewho would not flinch if trial came, and he had determined to makeGreusel his lieutenant if the expedition was not wrecked before it setout.

  "My friends," said Greusel gloomily, "we have arrived at a deadlock, andI should not venture to speak but that I see no one else ready to make asuggestion. I cannot claim to be non-partisan in the matter. This crisishas been unnecessarily brought about by what I state firmly is a mostungenerous attack on the part of Conrad Kurzbold."

  There were murmurs of dissent, but Greusel proceeded stolidly, taking nonotice.

  "It is not disputed that Kurzbold accepted the money from Roland lastnight, spent it to-day, and now comes penniless amongst us, quite unableto refund the amount when his unjust remarks produce their naturaleffect. He is like a man who makes a wager knowing he hasn't the moneyto pay should he lose. If Roland retires from this guild, I retire also,ashamed to keep company with men who uphold a trick worthy of a ruinedgambler."

  "My dear Joseph," cried Ebearhard, springing up with a laugh, "you weremisnamed in your infancy. You should have been called Herod, practicallyjustifying a slaughter of us innocents."

  "I stand by Benjamin," growled Gruesel, "the youngest and most capableof our circle; the one who produced the money while all the rest of ustalked."

  "You never talked till now, Joseph," said Ebearhard, still trying toease the situation with a laugh, "and what you say is not onlydeplorably severe, but uttered, as I will show you, upon entirelymistaken grounds. We did not, and do not, support Conrad Kurzbold inwhat he said at first. Now you rate us as if we were no better thanthieves. Dishonest gamblers, you call us, and Lord knows what else, andthen you threaten withdrawal. I submit that your diatribe is quiteun
deserved. We all condemn Kurzbold for censuring Roland's generosity tothe merchant, unanimously upholding Roland in that action, and have saidso plainly enough. What we object to is this: Roland arrogates tohimself power which he does not possess, of peremptorily expelling anymember whose remarks displease him. Surely you cannot support him inthat any more than we."

  "Let us take one thing at a time," resumed Greusel, "not forgetting fromwhom came the original provocation. I must know where we stand. Itherefore move a vote of censure on Conrad Kurzbold for his unmeritedattack upon our president anent his dealings with Herr Goebel."

  "I second that with great pleasure," said Ebearhard.

  "Now, as we cannot ask our leader to put that motion, I shall take theliberty of submitting it myself," continued Greusel. "All in favor ofthe vote of censure which you have heard, make it manifest by standingup."

  Every one arose except Roland, Gensbein, and Kurzbold.

  "There, we have removed that obstacle to a clear understanding of thecase, and before I formally deliver this vote of censure to HerrKurzbold, I request him to reconsider his position, and of his ownmotion to make such delivery unnecessary.

  "If it is the case that Roland assumes authority to expel whom hepleases from this guild, I shall not support him."

  "It _is_ the case! It _is_ the case!" shouted several.

  "Pardon me, comrades; I have the floor," continued Greusel. "I am notattempting oratory, but trying to disentangle a skein in which we haveinvolved ourselves. I wish to receive neither applause nor hissing untilI have finished the business. You say it is the case. I say it is not.Roland gave Herr Kurzbold the alternative either of apologizing or ofpaying over the money, so that it might be returned to the merchant. AsI understand the matter, our president does not insist on Kurzboldleaving the guild, but merely announces his own withdrawal from it. Youhave allowed Kurzbold to put you in the position of being compelled tochoose between himself and Roland. If you are logical men you cannotpass a vote of censure on Kurzbold, and then choose him instead ofRoland. I therefore move a vote of confidence in our chief, the man whohas produced the money, a thousand thalers in all, half of which was hisown, and has divided it equally amongst us, when the landlord's bill waspaid, withholding not a single thaler, nor arrogating--I think that wasyour word, friend Ebearhard--to himself a stiver more of the money thaneach of the others received. While Kurzbold has prated of comradeship,Roland has given us an excellent example of it, and I think he deservesour warmest thanks and our cordial support. I therefore submit to youthe following motion: This meeting tenders to the president its warmestthanks for his recent efforts on behalf of the guild, and begs to assurehim of its most strenuous assistance in carrying out the project he hasput before it to-night."

  "Joseph," said Ebearhard, rising, with his usual laugh, "you are a veryclever man, although you usually persist in hiding your light under abushel. I desire to associate myself with the expressions you have used,and therefore second your motion."

  "I now put the resolution which you have all heard," said Greusel, "andI ask those in favor of it to stand."

  Every one stood up promptly enough except the two recalcitrants, and ofthose two John Gensbein showed signs of hesitation and uneasiness. Hehalf rose, sat down again; then, apparently at the urging of the mannext him, stood up, a picture of irresolution. Kurzbold, finding himselfnow alone, laughed, and got upon his feet, thus making the voteunanimous. As the company seated itself, Greusel turned to thepresident.

  "Sir, it is said that all's well that ends well. It gives me pleasure totender you the unanimous vote of thanks and confidence of theiron-workers' guild, and before calling upon you to make any reply, ifsuch should be your intention, I will ask Conrad Kurzbold to say a fewwords, which I am sure we shall all be delighted to hear."

  Kurzbold rose bravely enough, in spite of the fact that Joseph Greusel'sdiplomacy had made a complete separation between him and all the others.

  "I should like to say," he began, with an air of casual indifference,"that my first mention of the money was wholly in jest. Our friendRoland took my remarks seriously, which, of course, I should not haveresented, and there is little use in recapitulating what followed. As,however, my utterances gave offense which was not intended by me, I haveno hesitation in apologizing for them, and withdrawing the ill-advisedsentences. No one here feels a greater appreciation of what ourpresident has done than I, and I hope he will accept my apology in thesame spirit in which it is tendered."

  "Now, Master of the Guild," said Greusel, and Roland took the floor oncemore.

  "I have nothing to say but 'Thank you.' The antagonists whom we hope tomeet are men brave, determined, and ruthless. If any one in this companyholds rancor against me, I ask him to turn it towards the Barons, andpunish me after the expedition is accomplished. Let us tolerate nodisagreements in face of the foe."

  The young man took his cloak and sword from the peg on which they hung,passed down along the table, and thrust across his hand to Kurzbold, whoshook it warmly. Arriving at the door, Roland turned round.

  "I wish to see Captain Blumenfels, and give him final instructionsregarding our rendezvous on the Rhine, so good-night. I hope to meet youall under the shadow of the Elector's tower in Hochst to-morrow morningat nine," and with that the president departed, being too inexperiencedto know that soft words do not always turn away wrath, and that mutinyis seldom quelled with a handshake.