the road on to the greensward in front of the
_Weinstaube_ which had been selected for a feeding-place. Black bread
and a coarse kind of country cheese were the only provisions obtainable,
but of these eatables there was an ample supply, and, better than all to
the jaded wayfarers, wine in abundance, of good quality, too, for
Breckenheim stands little more than a league to the north of the
celebrated Hochheim.

The wanderers came in by ones and twos, and sank down upon the benches
before the tavern, or sprawled at full length on the short grass, where
Kurzbold and his three friends dropped promptly off into sleep. A more
dejected and amenable gang even Roland could not have wished to command.
Every ounce of fight, or even discussion, was gone from them. They cared
not where they were, or what any one said to them. Their sole desire was
to be let alone, and they took not the slightest interest even in the
preparing of their frugal meal. A mug of wine served to each mitigated
the general depression, although Kurzbold showed how far gone he was by
swearing dismally when roused even to drink the wine. He said he was
resolved to lead a temperate life in future, but nevertheless managed to
dispose of his allowance in one long, parched draught.

Greusel approached his chief.

"There will be some difficulty," he said, "when this meal has to be paid
for. I find that the men are all practically penniless."

"Tell them they need anticipate no trouble about that," replied Roland.
"I have settled the bill, and will see that they do not starve or die of
thirst before we reach the Rhine."

"It is proposed," continued Greusel, "that each man should give all the
money he possesses into a general fund to be dealt with by a committee
the men will appoint. What do you say to this?"

"There is nothing to say. I notice that the proposal was not made until
the proposers' pouches were empty."

"They know that some of us have money," Greusel went on, "myself, for
instance, and they wish us to share as good comrades should--at least,
that is their phrase."

"An admirable phrase, yet I don't agree with it. How much money have
you, Greusel?"

"The thirty thalers are practically intact, and Ebearhard has about the
same."

"Well, fifty thalers lie safe in my pouch, but not a coin goes into the
treasury of any committee the men may appoint. If they choose a
committee, let them finance it themselves."

"There will be some dissatisfactio