in all, half of which was his own, and has divided it equally amongst us, when the landlord’s bill was paid, withholding not a single thaler, nor arrogating—­I think that was your word, friend Ebearhard—­to himself a stiver more of the money than each of the others received.  While Kurzbold has prated of comradeship, Roland has given us an excellent example of it, and I think he deserves our warmest thanks and our cordial support.  I therefore submit to you the following motion:  This meeting tenders to the president its warmest thanks for his recent efforts on behalf of the guild, and begs to assure him of its most strenuous assistance in carrying out the project he has put before it to-night.”

“Joseph,” said Ebearhard, rising, with his usual laugh, “you are a very clever man, although you usually persist in hiding your light under a bushel.  I desire to associate myself with the expressions you have used, and therefore second your motion.”

“I now put the resolution which you have all heard,” said Greusel, “and I ask those in favor of it to stand.”

Every one stood up promptly enough except the two recalcitrants, and of those two John Gensbein showed signs of hesitation and uneasiness.  He half rose, sat down again; then, apparently at the urging of the man next him, stood up, a picture of irresolution.  Kurzbold, finding himself now alone, laughed, and got upon his feet, thus making the vote unanimous.  As the company seated itself, Greusel turned to the president.

“Sir, it is said that all’s well that ends well.  It gives me pleasure to tender you the unanimous vote of thanks and confidence of the iron-workers’ guild, and before calling upon you to make any reply, if such should be your intention, I will ask Conrad Kurzbold to say a few words, which I am sure we shall all be delighted to hear.”

Kurzbold rose bravely enough, in spite of the fact that Joseph Greusel’s diplomacy had made a complete separation between him and all the others.

“I should like to say,” he began, with an air of casual indifference, “that my first mention of the money was wholly in jest.  Our friend Roland took my remarks seriously, which, of course, I should not have resented, and there is little use in recapitulating what followed.  As, however, my utterances gave offense which was not intended by me, I have no hesitation in apologizing for them, and withdrawing the ill-advised sentences.  No one here feels a greater appreciation of what our president has done than I, and I hope he will accept my apology in the same spirit in which it is tendered.”

“Now, Master of the Guild,” said Greusel, and Roland took the floor once more.

“I have nothing to say but ‘Thank you.’  The antagonists whom we hope to meet are men brave, determined, and ruthless.  If any one in this company holds rancor against me, I ask him to turn it towards the Barons, and punish me after the expedition is accomplished.  Let us tolerate no disagreements in face of the foe.”