every other convenience for ease-loving people who are
not in a hurry. A pleasanter mode of conveyance cannot be conceived;
there is no shaking or vibration; in rainy weather the cabin is warm and
comfortable, and in fine weather the passenger can sit on deck and watch
the fast receding landscape. Such was the character of the boat in
which the Count and Baron were now travelling. The scenery need not be
minutely described; but it presented a pleasing level on every side, and
the canal being in many places raised above the surrounding country,
they could look down from their seat on the deck of the boat on the
corn-fields and broad green meadows, scattered over with farmhouses and
cottages, and occasionally with a few trees. Windmills of course very
often made their appearance, and cows, generally black and white, but
mixed sometimes with a few red ones, were to be seen on every hand. The
scenery, though unvaried, was not wearisome, especially when the sun
shone brightly; and the fields looked fresh and green, and the water
sparkled, and everywhere marks of man's industry were to be seen.
Sometimes locks had to be passed, and the boat either ascended or
descended a few feet, but it was not often she left the usual level.
The particulars of the journey need not be detailed, as no adventures of
especial interest were met with. Leaving the _Trek-Schuit_ they
continued their journey on land, having engaged a vehicle of antique
form, the box handsomely sculptured, highly coloured and gilt, and the
harness well burnished. It was drawn by a fine black horse ornamented
with red bows. They stepped in, and away they dashed at a rapid rate
along the well-kept road. At length, early one afternoon, they alighted
at a small inn, where they resolved to remain for a day or two, that
they might become better acquainted with the country and its inhabitants
than they could be either by gliding through it on board a
_Trek-Schuit_, or galloping along the road in a vehicle.

"Now," said the Baron, after he and the Count had satisfied the cravings
of the inner man, "let us go forth in search of adventures." They
walked along arm-in-arm, as was their wont, looking about them.

"Ah, what do I see!" exclaimed the Count. "A pretty villa, embowered by
trees! a rarity in these regions. I wonder whether the inhabitants are
as attractive as their residence: so lovely a spot may be the abode of
the most graceful of sylphs. Even at this di