floated down the river so swiftly that
one realized, for the first time, how rapid and strong the current
always is.

The sun set in a glowing sky across the Rhine; half aloud, the
Professorin said to herself:--

"This first day of the year, which is now declining, has brought me a
terrible experience; it must be borne, and turned to some good end."

BOOK IX.

CHAPTER I.

ARRIVAL AT THE VICTORIA.

A line of carriages was standing in front of the Hotel Victoria in the
capital; multitudes of sparrows were fluttering about them while the
drivers stood together in groups, or walked to and fro, bandying jests
with one another, and beating their arms across their chest to keep off
the cold. The sparrows quarreled together, and after picking up all
the crumbs they could find, took their flight. The drivers had
exhausted their jokes and lapsed into silence. What more could be said
and done on a winter's afternoon in the snowy, deserted streets of the
capital? Everything is as still as the blessed prince whose stone image
stands on the great column, with a cap of snow on his head and snow
epaulettes on his shoulders. The parade is over, the officials are
sitting in their offices, and the shutters of the Casino are closed for
the better enjoyment of the cards by lamp-light. There is a change of
guards at Prince Leonhard's palace, over the way; the soldiers wear
large cloaks, and carry pistols. The man released from duty whispers
something, which seems to be of no great moment to the one who succeeds
him. An official messenger carrying a bundle of papers comes along,
meets a court-lackey wrapped in a long coat that almost touches the
ground; exchanges a pinch of snuff with him, and passes on. Such is the
life of a small capital on a winter's afternoon.

But now wide awake! there is something going on. A great stir began
among the coachmen, and up came the courier Lootz, with a wagon load of
trunks.

Now there was abundant material for conversation. It was fine to have
this "Gold-nugget, the King of California," come to the capital.

"Run up to your father, the bell-ringer, and tell him to set all his
bells going," cried one.

"Give me a drink that I may shout a good huzza," said another. "Now
begins a merry winter for us. Gold-nugget will scatter more money than
three princes, and seventeen counts, with seven barons