If any one could sway the
Archbishop so that he put his great talents to the benefit of his
country, instead of thinking only of himself, what a triumph of
influence that would be! By the Three Kings, I'd like to do it! I admire
him. If I found opportunity and could persuade him to join us in the
relief of Frankfort, and in opening the Rhine to commerce, we would give
these inane merchants a lesson in organization."
Greusel rose from his chair, poured out another tankard full from the
flagon, and drank it off.
"I must go down now and meet the guild," he said. "I have eaten nothing
all day, and am as hungry as a wolf from the Taunus."
"Oh, how did you escape, by the way?"
"I didn't escape. I was led blindfolded into a tent, where my bandage
was removed, and here a man in ordinary dress questioned me concerning
my object in entering the forest. I told him exactly the truth, and
explained what we were trying to do in Frankfort. I dare say I looked
honest and rather stupid. He asked when I set out; in what direction I
came; questioning me with a great affectation of indifference; wanted to
know if I had met many persons, and I told him quite truthfully I met no
one but the man I understood was a forester; a keeper, I supposed.
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