"Your housekeeper let me in," said the visitor.
"Good! I did not expect you back so soon. Have the others returned?"
"I do not know. I came direct here. I carry very ominous news, Roland,
of impending disaster in Frankfort."
"Greater than at present oppresses it?"
"Civil war, fire, and bloodshed. Close the door, Roland; I am tired out,
and I do not wish to be overheard."
The Prince obeyed the request, locking the door. Going to a cupboard, he
produced a generous flagon of wine and a tankard, setting the same on a
small table before Greusel, then he threw himself down in the one
armchair the room possessed. Greusel filled the tankard, and emptied it
without drawing breath. He plunged directly into his narrative.
"I had penetrated less than half a league into the forest when I was
stopped by an armed man who stepped out from behind a tree. He wore the
uniform of Mayence, and proclaimed me a prisoner. I explained my
mission, but this had no effect upon him. He asked if I would go with
him quietly, or compel him to call assistance.
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