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.
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