So set to work early to-morrow with energy. You
merchants have had a long vacation. I think the Rhine will be open
before many weeks are past, and then you can turn to your money-making,
but our first duty is to feed the hungry. Good-night, Herr Goebel."
He left the merchant as dazed as was the Archbishop. Once again outside
he made directly for the wine cellar of the Rheingold. On reaching the
steps he heard a roar of talk, lightened now and then by the sound of
laughter. He paused a moment before descending. It was evident that the
company was enjoying itself, and Roland soliloquized somewhat sadly:
"I am the disturbing element in that group. They seem to agree famously
when by themselves. Ah, well, no matter. They will soon be rid of me!"
When Roland descended the stair, the proprietor greeted him with joy.
"I have missed you, Herr Roland," he said, "so you may imagine how much
the guild has regretted your absence."
"Yes; I hear them bemoaning their fate."
The inn-keeper laughed.
"How many are here to-night?"
"There is a full house, Sir Roland.
Pages:
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507