“I give you my word on nothing, you mutinous dog!” cried Greusel; “and if I did, how could you expect me to keep it after such an example of treachery from you who pledged your faith, and then broke it? I shall obey my Commander, and none other.”
“I am your Commander,” asserted Kurzbold.
“You are not,” proclaimed Greusel.
Ebearhard laughed.
“No need to question me,” he said. “I stand by my colleagues.”
“Gag them again,” ordered Kurzbold.
“No, no!” cried Roland. “We are quite helpless. Give your words, gentlemen.”
Gloomily Greusel obeyed, and merrily Ebearhard. Darkness was now gathering, and when it fell completely the three men were put off into the forest.
“You have not yet,” said Kurzbold to Roland, “ordered the captain to obey me. I do not object to that, but it will be the worse for him and his men if they refuse to accept my instructions.”
“Do you know this district, Captain Blumenfels?” asked Roland.