“We will paddle alongside before they begin to row,” said Roland; and Captain Blumenfels was gently hailed from the river, much to his astonishment.

“Make for the eastern bank, captain,” whispered Roland, “and keep a lookout ahead for a number of small boats like this.”

Presently, rowing up the river strenuously, close to the shore, the barge came upon the flotilla.  Here Roland bade Hilda remain where she was, and leaving Ebearhard in charge of the skiff, he clambered up on the barge, ordering Greusel to range his boats alongside and fling aboard the treasure.

“Well, captain, did his Excellency of Pfalz leave you anything at all?”

“Not a rag,” replied the captain.  “The barge is empty as a drum.”

“In that case there is nothing for it but a speedy return to Frankfort.  I do not regret the cloth, which has been paid for over and over again, but I am mercenary enough to grudge Stahleck our two barrels of gold.”

“Oh, as to the gold,” replied the captain gravely, “I took the liberty of reversing your plan at Lorch.”

“What plan?”

“Your honor poured gold into wine barrels, but I poured the red wine of Lorch into the gold barrels, and threw the empty cask overboard.  Perhaps you know that the Pfalzgraf grows excellent white wine round his Castle of Stahleck, and despises the red wine of Lorch and Assmannshausen.  He tasted the wine, which had not been improved by being poured into the dirty gold barrels, spat it out with an oath, and said we were welcome to keep it.  He has also promised to send me a cask of good white wine to Frankfort.”

“Captain, despite your quiet, unassuming manner, you are the most ingenious of men.”

“Indeed, I but copied your honor’s ingenuity.”

“However it happened, you saved the gold, and that action alone will make a rich man of you, for you must accept my third share of the money.”

By this time the bags had been heaved aboard.  Greusel followed them, and stood ready to receive further orders.

“You will all make for Frankfort,” said Roland, “keeping close as possible to this side of the river.  No man is to be allowed ashore until you reach the capital.  Captain, are there provisions enough aboard for the voyage?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Very well.  Put every available person at the oars, and get past Furstenberg before daybreak.  My men, who have not had an opportunity to distinguish themselves as warriors, will take their turn at the sweeps.  You and Ebearhard,” he continued, turning to Greusel, “will employ the time in counting the money and making a fair division.  With regard to the two barrels, the captain will receive my third share, and also be one of us in the apportionment of the gold we secured to-night.  It was through his thoughtfulness that the barrels were saved.  Whatever portion you find me entitled to, place in the keeping of the merchant, Herr Goebel.  And now I shall tie four bags to my belt for emergencies.”