"
"Yes. You are simply an honest drinker, tired of the white wine of
Frankfort, and providing yourself with the stronger fluid that Lorch
produces. I am sure you will deliver the money safely to Herr Goebel,
somewhat in drink, it is true, but, like the rest of us, none the worse
for that when the fumes are gone."
The repast finished, and all accounts liquidated, the trio left the inn,
and, leading the two horses, reached the barge without observation. Here
the bungs were removed from the casks, and the three men, assisted by
the captain, quietly and speedily opened bag after bag, pouring the
coins down into the wine; surely a unique adulteration, astonishing even
to so heady a fluid as the vintage of Lorch. From the whole amount
Roland deducted two thousand thalers, which he divided equally between
two empty bags.
"This thousand thalers," said he to Kruger, "is to be shared by your son
and yourself, in addition to whatever you may receive from Herr Goebel.
The other you will hand to the custodian of Ehrenfels Castle, saying it
came from his friend Roland, and is recompense for the money he lent the
other day.
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