Hagen told him, after, that that would never be, but for the meantime he said, “I did it a-purpose. If we have any coward with us on this journey, that would forsake us in our need, he shall die a shameful death in these waves.” They had with them one from Burgundy, a hero of great prowess, that hight Folker, and that spake with mocking words all his mind. And whatso Hagen did, this fiddler approved. When the king’s chaplain saw the ship hewn up, he cried across the water to Hagen, “What had I done to thee, false murderer, that, without cause, thou wouldst have drowned me?” Hagen answered, “Hold thy peace. By my troth, and in sober earnest, it irketh me that thou hast escaped.” Said the poor priest, “I will praise God evermore. Little I fear thee now, rest assured. Fare forward to the Huns, and I will to the Rhine. God grant thou comest never back again. That is my prayer, for well-nigh hadst thou killed me.” But King Gunther said to his chaplain, “I will more than make good to thee what Hagen hath done in his anger, if I win back alive. Have no fear. Go home, for so it needs must be now. Bear a greeting to my dear wife, and my other kinsfolk. Tell them the good tidings: that, so far, all is well.” The horses stood ready, the sumpters were laden. As yet they had suffered no scathe by the way, save the king’s chaplain, that had to return to the Rhine afoot. Twenty-Sixth Adventure How Dankwart Slew Gelfrat When they were all on the shore, the king asked, “Who will show us the right way through the country, that we go not astray?” Whereto bold Folker answered, “I will do it.” “Stop!” said Hagen, “both knights and squires. One must follow one’s friends—that is plain to me, and right. But I have heavy news to tell you. Never again shall we see Burgundy. Two mermaids told me this morning early that we should win back to our home nevermore. Now follow my counsel. Arm ye, ye heroes, and guard your lives well. Stark foemen are at hand, wherefore ride as to battle. I hoped to prove the words of the wise mermaids false. They said that none save the chaplain would return. It was for that I had so gladly drowned him.” The news flew from rank to rank. Many a bold knight grew pale, and fell in fear of bitter death, whereto he journeyed. Doleful were they and dreary. They crossed the river at Moering, where Elsy’s ferryman was killed, and Hagen said further, “I have made enemies by the way, that will shortly set on us. I slew the boatman this morning; wherefore, if Gelfrat and Elsy attack us, welcome them on such wise that it shall go hard with them. They will do it without fail, for I know them for bold men. Ride softly, that none may say we fly.” “So be it,” said young Giselher. “Who will lead us through the land?” And they answered, “Folker, the bold minstrel; he knoweth all the hills and the paths.”