d and smiled a
welcome that could not have been heartier. The strangers remarked the
absence of vehicles on the main streets. There were pack mules and
horses, human carriers--both male and female--but during the entire
morning they saw not more than six or eight carriages. Vehicles were
used solely by the quality and as a means of transportation for their
persons only. Everybody, with the few exceptions mentioned, walked
or rode horseback. The two friends were delighted with the place, and
Anguish advocated a sojourn of several weeks, even though they did not
find the Guggenslockers, his object being to secure photographs and
sketches of the picturesque people and the strange scenery, and to idle
away some hours upon the glittering boulevards. Grenfall, since he was
in the project so deeply, was so nearly reconciled as to be exhilarated
by the plan. They decided to visit the royal grounds in the afternoon,
providing there was no prohibition, reserving a ride up the hill for the
next day. A gendarme who spoke German fairly well told them that they
could enter the palace park if they obtained a signed order from the
chief steward, who might be found at any time in his home near the
gates.

They were strolling leisurely toward the hotel, for the moment
forgetting their quest in this strange, sunny land, when they espied a
carriage, the most conspicuous of any they had seen. The white horses
were gaily caparisoned, the driver and the footman beside him wore rich
uniforms, the vehicle itself gleamed and glistened with gold and silver
trimmings. A short distance behind rode two young soldiers, swords to
their shoulders, scabbards clanking against their stirrups. Each was
attired in the tight red trousers, shiny boots, close-fitting black
coat with gilt trimmings, and the red cap which the Americans had noted
before because of its brilliancy. People along the street were bowing
deeply to the occupants, two ladies.

"Harry! Look!" exclaimed Lorry, clutching his friend's arm like a
vise. "There in the carriage--on this side!" His voice was hoarse and
trembling.

"Miss Gug--Guggenslocker?" cried Anguish.

"Yes! Yes!" They had stopped and Lorry was grasping a garden wall with
one hand.

"Then it's funny nobody knows the name here. She seems to be someone of
consequence. Good heaven, I don't blame you! She's the most beautiful--"

By this time the carriage was almost opposite and within forty feet of
where they stood. The