We will keep you three here
until complete darkness sets in, then put you ashore unarmed. Bacharach,
on this side of the Rhine, is to be our next resting-place, and
doubtless so clever a man as you, Roland, may say that we choose
Bacharach because it is named for Bacchus, the god of drunkards.
Nevertheless, to show our good intentions towards you, we will remain
there all day to-morrow. You can easily reach Bacharach along the
hilltops before daybreak. We have written a charter of comradeship which
all have signed except yourselves. If at Bacharach you give us your word
to act faithfully under my leadership, we will reinstate you in the
guild, and return your swords. By way of recompense for this leniency,
we ask you to direct the captain to obey my commands as he has done
yours."
"Captain Blumenfels," said Roland to the honest sailor, who stood
looking on in amaze at this turn of affairs, "you are to wait here until
it is completely dark. See that no lights are burning to give warning to
those in Furstenberg; and, by the way," added Roland, turning to his
former company, "I advise you not to drink anything until you are well
past the Castle.
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