s true, I am a little hungry," said the stranger, smiling.

"In a quarter of an hour the most splendid dinner, that the celebrated
White Lion can prepare, shall be ready for you, signor," cried the host,
as he rushed hastily from the room.

The stranger gazed thoughtfully after him. "It appears to me that I have
been very fortunate in coming here; the good host seems to be a good
Prussian, and I have learned more from him in a quarter of an hour than
I would have done in a long journey through Italy. I shall now be able
to act with zeal and energy. But I must not forget the role I have to
play. I am a merchant trading with fans, curiosities, and relics, and
very anxious to bring my wares to market."

The entrance of the waiter interrupted him, and soon the savory dishes
invited the traveller to refresh himself.

CHAPTER II. FREDERICK THE GREAT AS A SAINT.

"And now to business," said the Traveller, when he had finished dining.
"It is high time I were on my way, if I am to leave this place to-day."
He hastened to his trunk and took from it several bundles and packages,
some of which he put in his pockets and some, like a true merchant, he
carried under his arm. Then putting on his large, black felt hat, he
turned to leave the room. In passing the mirror he looked at himself,
and broke out into a merry laugh at his appearance.

"Truly," said he, "I look like a veritable shop-keeper, and he who takes
me for any thing else, must be of a more political turn of mind than my
host, Signor Montardo, the Prussiano."

He turned and left the room to obtain the address of some merchants
and a guide from his host. In spite of remonstrances Signer Montardo
insisted on accompanying him.

"Otherwise," said he, "some one might address you who is not on our
side, and if you were then to show him your fans, there would be a
fearful scandal; the other party is quite as hot-headed as we are, and
many a pitched battle has taken place between the Teresiani and the
Prussiani. Come, sir; I must accompany you. We will not go by the canal,
but through the small by-streets; they will lead us quickest to the Riva
di Schiavoni, and then to the Rialto, which is our destination."

"Is that far from the convent of San Giovanni e Paolo?" asked the
stranger.

"Ah, you are still determined to offer your relics to the abbot?" said
the host, laughing.

"Yes, and hope to sell them."

"Well, I wish you luck. The Rialto is not far from the