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Updated: June 22, 2025
"If we are fated to go down, we will fall with banners flying." After a time the captain returned with his supplies, but still the majority of the guild remained engaged in deliberation. Evidently discussion was not proceeding with that unanimity which Kurzbold always insisted was the case.
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?"
There were murmurs of dissent, but Greusel proceeded stolidly, taking no notice. "It is not disputed that Kurzbold accepted the money from Roland last night, spent it to-day, and now comes penniless amongst us, quite unable to refund the amount when his unjust remarks produce their natural effect. He is like a man who makes a wager knowing he hasn't the money to pay should he lose.
"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.
You now know as much of our position as I do, so make up your minds about the next step, and inform me what conclusion you come to." "You're a mighty courageous leader," cried Kurzbold scornfully, and with this the hungry ones retired some distance into the grove, from whence echoes of an angry debate came to the two men who sat by the margin of the stream. After a time they strode forward again.
"Very well," concluded Kurzbold, "as I am graciously permitted to speak in the august presence of our ex-Captain, I desire to say that whatever my share happens to be, I bestow it gladly, nay, exultantly, upon the poor of Frankfort." With that Kurzbold sat down, and there was first a roar of laughter, followed by a clapping of hands. Gensbein rose, and said briefly: "I do as Kurzbold does."
You robber!" shouted Kurzbold, flourishing his weapon. "Quite accurate," replied Roland, unperturbed. "I was once called a Prince of Thieves when I did not deserve the title. Now I have earned it." "You have earned the penalty of thieving, and we propose to throw you into the Rhine." "Not, I trust, before you learn where the money is deposited."
As the company seated itself, Greusel turned to the president. "Sir, it is said that all's well that ends well. It gives me pleasure to tender you the unanimous vote of thanks and confidence of the iron-workers' guild, and before calling upon you to make any reply, if such should be your intention, I will ask Conrad Kurzbold to say a few words, which I am sure we shall all be delighted to hear."
An instant later the crowd came boiling up the short stair to the deck, Kurzbold in command, all swords drawn, and glistening in the moonlight. "You scoundrel!" he cried to Roland, "those lockers are full of empty bags." "I know that," replied Roland, quietly. "The money is in safe keeping, and will be honestly divided at the conclusion of this expedition." "You thief!
On the Rhine we are in the rich wine country, where there is plenty to eat and drink, probably for the asking, whereas if we turn our faces towards the east we are marching upon starvation." The buzz of comment aroused by this speech proved to the two men that Kurzbold stood once more alone.
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