ed at Hochst I should
be thirsty, and would try to mitigate the disadvantage at a tavern."

"Yes," said Ebearhard, with a laugh, "we can all see you have succeeded
in removing the disadvantage."

"Oh, you mean I'm drunk, do you? I'll fight any man who says I'm drunk.
It was a tremendous thirst caused by the dryness of my throat from last
night, and the dust on the Frankfort road this morning. It takes a great
deal of wine to overcome two thirsts. Come along, lads, and drink to the
success of the journey. No hard feeling. Landlord, set out the wine here
for seventeen people, and don't forget us four in addition."

The whole company strolled in under the trees that fronted the tavern,
except Roland, who stood aloof.

"Here's a salute to you, Captain," cried Kurzbold. "I drink wine with
you."

"Not till we return from a successful expedition," said Roland.

"Oh, nonsense!" hiccoughed Kurzbold. "Don't think that your office
places you so high above us that it is _infra dig_. to drink with your
comrades."

To this diatribe Roland made no reply, and the sixteen, seeing the
attitude of their leader, hesitated to raise flagon to lip. The
diplomatic Ebearhard seized a measure of wine and approached Roland.

"Drink with us, Commander," he said aloud; and then in a whisper,
"Greusel and I think you should."

"Thank you, comrade," said Roland, taking the flagon from him. "And now,
brethren, I give you a toast."

"Good, good, good!" cried Kurzbold, with drunken hilarity. "Here's to
the success of the expedition. That's the toast, I make no doubt, eh,
Captain?"

"The sentiment is included in the toast I shall offer you. Drink to the
health of Joseph Greusel, whom I have this morning appointed my
lieutenant. If we all conduct ourselves as honorably and capably as he,
our project is bound to prosper."

Greusel, who was seated at a table, allowed his head to sink into his
hands. Here was his advice scouted, and a direct challenge flung in the
face of the company. He believed now that, after all, Roland had
resolved to return to Frankfort, money or no money. If he intended to
proceed to the Rhine, then even worse might happen, for it was plain he
was bent on rule or ruin. Instantly the challenge was accepted. Kurzbold
stood up, swaying uncertainly, compelled to maintain his upright
position by grasping the top of the table at which he had been seated.

"Stop there, stop there!" he cried. "No man drinks to that toast just