Manchurian Books

"Yes, for two or three leagues, but after that we strike across the
country."
"Very well. We can proceed leisurely along the road, and our friends may
overtake us if they have any desire to do so."
"Right!" said Roland. "Then let us set out."
The seventeen walked without any company formation through the village,
then, approaching a wayside tavern, they were hailed by a loud shout
from the drinkers in front of it. Kurzbold was the spokesman for the
party of four, which he, with his comrades, made up.
"Come here and drink success to glory," he shouted. "Where have you lads
been all the morning?"
"The rendezvous," said Roland sternly, "was at the Elector's tower."
"My rendezvous wasn't. I have been here for more than an hour," said
Kurzbold. "I told you last night that when I arrived 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.


Pages:
172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196