“We wish an amicable settlement of this matter,” said Kurzbold, addressing the lieutenants, “and regret being compelled to use measures that may appear harsh.  I do this only to prevent unnecessary bloodshed.  Earlier in the day,” he continued, turning to Roland, “when we found all appeals to you were vain, we unanimously deposed you from the leadership, which is our right, and also our duty.”

“Not under martial law,” said Roland.

“I beg to point out that there was no talk of martial law before we left Frankfort.  It was not till later that we learned we had appointed an unreasoning tyrant over us.  We have deposed him, and I am elected in his place, with John Gensbein as my lieutenant.  We will keep you three here until complete darkness sets in, then put you ashore unarmed.  Bacharach, on this side of the Rhine, is to be our next resting-place, and doubtless so clever a man as you, Roland, may say that we choose Bacharach because it is named for Bacchus, the god of drunkards.  Nevertheless, to show our good intentions towards you, we will remain there all day to-morrow.  You can easily reach Bacharach along the hilltops before daybreak.  We have written a charter of comradeship which all have signed except yourselves.  If at Bacharach you give us your word to act faithfully under my leadership, we will reinstate you in the guild, and return your swords.  By way of recompense for this leniency, we ask you to direct the captain to obey my commands as he has done yours.”

“Captain Blumenfels,” said Roland to the honest sailor, who stood looking on in amaze at this turn of affairs, “you are to wait here until it is completely dark.  See that no lights are burning to give warning to those in Furstenberg; and, by the way,” added Roland, turning to his former company, “I advise you not to drink anything until you are well past the Castle.  If you sing the songs of the guild within earshot of Furstenberg, you are like to sing on the other side of your mouths before morning.  Don’t forget that Margrave Hermann von Katznellenbogenstahleck is the chief hangman of Germany.”  Then once more to the captain: 

“As the Castle of Furstenberg stands high above the river, and well back from it, you will be out of sight if you keep near this shore.  However, you can easily judge your distance, because the towers are visible even in the darkness against the sky.  No man on the ramparts of the Castle can discern you down here on the black surface of the water, so long as you do not carry a light.”

“Roland, my deposed friend,” said Kurzbold, “I fear you bear resentment, for you are giving the captain orders instead of telling him to obey mine.”

“Kurzbold, you are mistaken.  I resign command with great pleasure, and, indeed, Greusel and Ebearhard will testify that I had already determined to pass Furstenberg unseen.  As my former lieutenants are disarmed, surely the company, with eighteen swords, is not so frightened as to keep them gagged and bound.  ’Tis no wonder you wish to avoid the Laughing Baron, if that is all the courage you possess.”