When this is done, bring me word, and let me know
how much I owe you."
The landlord gone, the three men fell to their meal.
"There is more gold," said Roland, "than I expected, and it is
impossible even for two of you to carry it in bags attached to your
belts. Besides, if you are molested, such bestowal of it would prove
most unsafe. A burden of wine, however, is too common either to attract
notice or arouse cupidity. I propose, then, when we leave here, to bring
you to the barge belonging to Herr Goebel, and taking out the bungs, we
will pour the gold into the barrels, letting the wine that is displaced
overflow to the ground. Then we will stoutly drive in the bungs, and
should the guards question you at the gates of Frankfort, you may let
them taste the wine if they insist, and I dare say it will contain no
flavor of the metal."
"A most excellent suggestion," said Herr Kruger with enthusiasm. "An
admirable plan; for I confess I looked forward with some anxiety to this
journey, laden down with bags of gold under my cloak.
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