Still, imprisonment
seems an unduly harsh alternative."
The girl's seriousness fled, and she smiled at him.
"As you have had some experience of my obstinacy, and proposed an even
harsher remedy than that--"
"Ah, you forget," interrupted Roland, "that I apologized for my lack of
manners. I hope during our journey to Nonnenwerth I may earn complete
forgiveness."
"Oh, you are forgiven already, which is magnanimous of me, when you
recollect that the fault was wholly my own. I will join you in the
courtyard at once if I may."
"Very well. I shall be down there after I have given final instructions
to my men."
Roland arrived at the north window, and saw that the flotilla had
already departed. He could discern Ebearhard standing with his hand on
the prow of the remaining boat, so pulled up the rope, untied it from
the ring to which it was fastened, and threw it down to his lieutenant.
"A rope is always useful," he whispered, "and we will puzzle the good
Pfalzgraf regarding our exit."
In the courtyard he found the three women awaiting him.
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