I could easily bestow your share without perceptible diminution
of the fund we three, unaided, extracted from the coffers of the Red
Margrave. The reason I do not pay in full is this. When you reach
Frankfort, I must be assured that you will keep your foolish tongues
silent. If any man speaks of our labors, I shall hear of it on my
return, and will fine that man his remaining half-share.
"It distresses me to expose your ignorance, Kurzbold, but I put you
ashore amply provided with money, barely two-thirds of a league from
Lorch, where you spent so jovial an evening, and where a man with gold
in his pouch need fear neither hunger nor thirst. Lorch may be attained
by a leisurely walker in less than half an hour; indeed, it is barely
two leagues from this spot to Assmannshausen, and surely you know the
road from that storehouse of red wine to the capital city of Frankfort,
having once traversed it. A child of six, Kurzbold, might be safely put
ashore where you shall set foot on land. Therefore, lieutenants, let
each man know he will receive a bag of coin, and may land unmolested to
accompany the brave and intelligent Kurzbold.
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