ou must accept my third share of the
money."

By this time the bags had been heaved aboard. Greusel followed them, and
stood ready to receive further orders.

"You will all make for Frankfort," said Roland, "keeping close as
possible to this side of the river. No man is to be allowed ashore until
you reach the capital. Captain, are there provisions enough aboard for
the voyage?"

"Yes, your honor."

"Very well. Put every available person at the oars, and get past
Furstenberg before daybreak. My men, who have not had an opportunity to
distinguish themselves as warriors, will take their turn at the sweeps.
You and Ebearhard," he continued, turning to Greusel, "will employ the
time in counting the money and making a fair division. With regard to
the two barrels, the captain will receive my third share, and also be
one of us in the apportionment of the gold we secured to-night. It was
through his thoughtfulness that the barrels were saved. Whatever portion
you find me entitled to, place in the keeping of the merchant, Herr
Goebel. And now I shall tie four bags to my belt for emergencies."

"Are you not coming with us, Roland?" asked Greusel anxiously.

"No. Urgent business requires my presence in the neighborhood of Bonn,
but I shall meet you in the Kaiser cellar before a month is out."

Saying this, he shook hands with the captain and Greusel, and descended
into the small boat, bidding farewell to Ebearhard.

"Urge them," were his last words, "to get well out of sight of Pfalz and
Furstenberg before the day breaks, and as for the small boats, turn them
loose; present them as a peace-offering to the Rhine."

In the darkness Prince Roland allowed his frail barque to float down the
stream, using his paddle merely to keep it toward the east, so to avoid
the chain. He found himself accompanied by a silent, spectral fleet; the
empty boats that his men had sent adrift. To all appearance the little
squadron lay motionless, while the dim Castle of Pfalz, with its score
of pointed turrets piercing a less dark sky, seemed like a great ship
moving slowly up the Rhine. When it had disappeared to the south, Roland
ventured to speak, in a low voice.

"Madam," he said, "tell your women so to arrange what extra apparel you
have brought to form a couch, where you may recline, and sleep for the
rest of the night."

"Captain Roland," she replied, her gentle little laugh floating with so
musical a cadence athwart the waters that h