the entrance of the Opera
would be observed less than two.

"People notice crutches more than they notice legs," The Rat said.
"I'd better keep out of the way unless you need me. My time hasn't
come yet. Even if it doesn't come at all I've--I've been on duty. I've
gone with you and I've been ready-that's what an aide-de-camp does."

He stayed at home and read such English papers as he could lay hands on
and he drew plans and re-fought battles on paper.

Marco went to the opera. Even if he had not known his way to the
square near the place where the Hof-Theater stood, he could easily have
found it by following the groups of people in the streets who all
seemed walking in one direction. There were students in their odd caps
walking three or four abreast, there were young couples and older ones,
and here and there whole families; there were soldiers of all ages,
officers and privates; and, when talk was to be heard in passing, it
was always talk about music.

For some time Marco waited in the square and watched the carriages roll
up and pass under the huge pillared portico to deposit their contents
at the entrance and at once drive away in orderly sequence. He must
make sure that the grand carriage with the green and silver liveries
rolled up with the rest. If it came, he would buy a cheap ticket and
go inside.

It was rather late when it arrived. People in Munich are not late for
the opera if it can be helped, and the coachman drove up hurriedly.
The green and silver footman leaped to the ground and opened the
carriage door almost before it stopped. The Chancellor got out looking
less genial than usual because he was afraid that he might lose some of
the overture. A rosy-cheeked girl in a white frock was with him and
she was evidently trying to soothe him.

"I do not think we are really late, Father," she said. "Don't feel
cross, dear. It will spoil the music for you."

This was not a time in which a man's attention could be attracted
quietly. Marco ran to get the ticket which would give him a place
among the rows of young soldiers, artists, male and female students,
and musicians who were willing to stand four or five deep throughout
the performance of even the longest opera. He knew that, unless they
were in one of the few boxes which belonged only to the court, the
Chancellor and his rosy-cheeked daughter would be in the best seats in
the front curve of the balcony which were the most desirable of