“Ah,” said Roland, “that is important.”
“Taken in conjunction with the gold, most amiable robber,” suggested the girl.
“Taken in conjunction with the gold,” repeated Roland, smiling again; and adding, “Taken also in conjunction with a lady who, if I understand her, wishes to escape from the Pfalz.”
“You are right,” agreed the young girl archly. “Do I receive a share of the money?”
“Yes; if you join our band.”
“Oh!” she cried, with a pout of feigned disappointment, “I thought you had already accepted me as a member. And what am I to call my new overlord, who acquires wealth so successfully that he does not wish the amount mentioned, or the place from which it was taken specified?”
“My name is Roland. Will you consent to a fair exchange?”
“I am called Hilda by my friends.”
“Then, Hilda,” said the young man, looking at her with admiration, “I welcome you as one of my lieutenants.”
“One, indeed!” she exclaimed, with affected indignation. “I shall be first lieutenant or nothing.”