“No, no, no!” cried the frightened nobleman. “‘Tis not my life you seek. That is of no use to such as you; and, besides, I have never harmed the outlaws.”
“That is a lie,” said Roland. “You sent an expedition against us just a year ago.”
“‘Twas not I,” protested Hohenfels, “but the pirate of Falkenberg. Still, no matter. I’ll buy my life from you. I am a wealthy man.”
“How much?” asked Roland, hesitating.
“More than all of you can carry away.”
“In gold?”
“Of a surety in gold.”
“Where are the keys of your treasury?”
“In my chamber. I will bring them to you,” and the Baron turned to mount the steps again.
“Not so,” cried Roland. “Stand where you are, and send your man for them. If they are not here before I count twoscore, you hang, and nothing will save you.”