river surface. It proved that, all in all, Roland could suggest no
amendment of the day's proceedings. So far as Blumenfels was concerned,
everything had gone without a hitch.

As they promenaded thus, one of the men came forward, and said, rather
cavalierly:

"Commander, your comrades wish to see you in the cabin."

Roland made no reply, but continued his conversation with the captain
until he learned from that somewhat reticent individual all he wished to
know. Then he walked leisurely aft, and descended into the cabin, where
he found the eighteen seated on the lockers, as if the conclave were a
deliberate body like the Electors, who had come to some momentous
decision.

"We have unanimously passed a resolution," said Kurzbold, "that the
money shall be divided equally amongst us each evening. You do not
object, I suppose?"

"No; I don't object to your passing a resolution."

"Very good. We do not wish to waste time just now in the division,
because we are going to Lorch, intending to celebrate our success with a
banquet. Would Greusel, Ebearhard, and yourself care to join us?"

"I cannot speak for the other two," returned Roland quietly; "but
personally I shall be unable to attend, as there are some plans for the
future which need thinking over."

"In that case we shall not expect you," went on Kurzbold, who seemed in
no way grieved at the loss of his commander's company.

"Perhaps," suggested John Gensbein, "our chief will drop in upon us
later in the evening. We learned at Assmannshausen that the Krone is a
very excellent tavern, so we shall sup there."

"How did you know we were to stop at Lorch?" asked Roland, wondering if
in any way they had heard he was to meet Goebel's emissary in this
village.

"We were not sure," replied Gensbein, "but we made inquiries concerning
all the villages and castles down the Rhine, and have taken notes."

"Ah, in that case you are well qualified as a guide. I may find occasion
to use the knowledge thus acquired."

"We are all equally involved in this expedition," said Kurzbold
impatiently, "and you must not imagine yourself the only person to be
considered. But we lose time. What we wish at the present moment is that
you will unlock one of these chests, and divide amongst us a bag of
gold. The rest is to be partitioned when we return this evening; and
after that, Herr Roland, we shall not need to trouble you by asking for
more money."

"Are the thirty thalers I ga