“Yes, for two or three leagues, but after that we strike across the country.”
“Very well. We can proceed leisurely along the road, and our friends may overtake us if they have any desire to do so.”
“Right!” said Roland. “Then let us set out.”
The seventeen walked without any company formation through the village, then, approaching a wayside tavern, they were hailed by a loud shout from the drinkers in front of it. Kurzbold was the spokesman for the party of four, which he, with his comrades, made up.
“Come here and drink success to glory,” he shouted. “Where have you lads been all the morning?”
“The rendezvous,” said Roland sternly, “was at the Elector’s tower.”
“My rendezvous wasn’t. I have been here for more than an hour,” said Kurzbold. “I told you last night that when I arrived at Hochst I should be thirsty, and would try to mitigate the disadvantage at a tavern.”
“Yes,” said Ebearhard, with a laugh, “we can all see you have succeeded in removing the disadvantage.”
“Oh, you mean I’m drunk, do you? I’ll fight any man who says I’m drunk. It was a tremendous thirst caused by the dryness of my throat from last night, and the dust on the Frankfort road this morning. It takes a great deal of wine to overcome two thirsts. Come along, lads, and drink to the success of the journey. No hard feeling. Landlord, set out the wine here for seventeen people, and don’t forget us four in addition.”
The whole company strolled in under the trees that fronted the tavern, except Roland, who stood aloof.