At last Roland replied.
"You four," he said sternly, "dared to lay hands upon me, and for that I
demand from the judges a sentence of death."
Even his two lieutenants gazed at him in amazement, that he should make
so much of an action which they themselves had endured and nothing said
of it. Surely the laying-on of hands, even in rudeness, was not a
capital crime, yet they saw to their astonishment that Roland was in
deadly earnest.
The leader turned a calm face toward their scrutiny, but there was a
frown upon his brow.
"Work while ye have the light," he said. "Judges, consider your
decision, and deliver your verdict."
Greusel and Ebearhard turned their backs on every one, walked slowly
aft, and down into the cabin. Roland resumed his seat on the bale of
cloth, elbows on his knees, and face in his hands. All appeals had
ceased, and deep silence reigned, every man aboard the boat in a state
of painful tension. The fire in the distant castle lowered and lowered,
and darkness was returning to the deck of the barge.
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