"
The four men standing up took the oath, and thanked Roland for his
mercy, hurrying away at a sign from him to their bread and wine.
"Send hither," cried Roland after them, "two of the men who have already
refreshed themselves, each with a loaf of bread and a full flagon of
wine. And now, captain, release Kurzbold and Gensbein."
When these two stood up and stretched themselves, the bearers of bread
and wine presented them with this refreshment, and after they had
partaken of it, Greusel gave them each a bag of gold, which they tied to
their belts without a word, while Greusel and Ebearhard waited to escort
them to land.
"We want our swords," said Kurzbold sullenly.
Ebearhard looked at his chief, but he shook his head.
"They have disgraced their swords," he said, "which now by right belong
to the Margrave Hermann von Katznellenbogenstahleck. Put them ashore,
lieutenant."
It was broad daylight, and the men had all come up from the cabin,
standing in a silent group at the stern. Kurzbold, on the bank, foaming
at the mouth with fury, shook his fist at them, roaring:
"Cowards! Pigs! Dolts! Asses! Poltroons!"
The men made no reply, but Ebearhard's hearty laugh rang through the
forest.
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