Manchurian Books

"Good morning to you, Baron Hugo von Hohenfels. These men whom you
address so coarsely obey no orders but mine."
"And who, imp of Satan, are you?" sputtered the old man.
"By profession a hangman. From our fastnesses in the hills, seeing a
barge float down the river, we thought it likely you would leave the
Castle undefended, and so came in to execute the Prince of Robbers."
The Baron was quaking like a huge jelly. It was evident that, although
noted for his cruelty, he was at heart a coward.
"You--you--you--" he stammered, "are outlaws! You are outlaws from the
Hunsruck."
"How clever of you, Baron, to recognize us at once. Now you know what to
expect. Greusel, unwind the rope I gave you last night. I will show you
its purpose."
Greusel did as he was requested without comment, but Ebearhard
approached closely to his chief, and whispered:
"Why resort to violence? We have no quarrel with this elephant. 'Tis his
gold we want, and to hang him is a waste of time."
"Hush, Ebearhard," commanded Roland sternly.


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