“It is proposed,” continued Greusel, “that each man should give all the money he possesses into a general fund to be dealt with by a committee the men will appoint.  What do you say to this?”

“There is nothing to say.  I notice that the proposal was not made until the proposers’ pouches were empty.”

“They know that some of us have money,” Greusel went on, “myself, for instance, and they wish us to share as good comrades should—­at least, that is their phrase.”

“An admirable phrase, yet I don’t agree with it.  How much money have you, Greusel?”

“The thirty thalers are practically intact, and Ebearhard has about the same.”

“Well, fifty thalers lie safe in my pouch, but not a coin goes into the treasury of any committee the men may appoint.  If they choose a committee, let them finance it themselves.”

“There will be some dissatisfaction at that decision, Commander.”

“I dare say.  Still, as you know, I am always ready to do anything conducive to good feeling, so you may inform them that you and Ebearhard and myself, that is, three of us, will contribute to the committee’s funds an amount equal to that subscribed by the other eighteen.  Such lavishness on our part ought to satisfy them.”

“It won’t, Commander, because there’s not a single kreuzer among the eighteen.”

“So be it.  That’s as far as I am willing to go.  Appeal to their reasoning powers, Greusel.  If each of the eighteen contributes one thaler, we three will contribute six thalers apiece.  Ask them whether they do not think we are generous when we do six times more than any one of them towards providing capital for a committee.”

“’Tis not willingness they lack, Commander, but ability.”

“They are not logical, Joseph.  They prate of comradeship, and when it comes to an exercise of power they demand equality.  How, then, can they, with any sense of fairness, prove ungrateful to us when we offer to bear six times the burden they are asked to shoulder?”

The lieutenant said no more, but departed to announce the decision to the men, and either the commander’s reasoning overcame all opposition, or else the company was too tired to engage in a controversy.

When the black bread and cheese were served, with a further supply of wine, all sat up and ate heartily.  The banquet ended, Greusel made an announcement to the men.  There would now be an hour’s rest, he said, before taking to the road again.  The meal and the wine had been paid for by the commander, so no one need worry on that account, but if any man wished more wine he must pay the shot himself.  However, before the afternoon’s march was begun flagons of wine would be served at the commander’s expense.  This information was received in silence, and the men stretched themselves out on the grass to make the most of their hour of rest.  Roland strolled off alone to view the village.  The lieutenant and Ebearhard sat together at a table, conversing in low tones.