From the garden they were called into the dining room, where a meal was spread before them.  Fruits and fruit preparations of a dozen kinds; breads, cakes and vegetables, drinks from the juice of fruits:  this was the bill of fare.

After they had eaten, the person who had met them the evening before, entered, and announced that their carriage was ready for their drive; or, if they chose to take the cars, they would get within the city much quicker, but, of course, would miss some interesting sights.

“We prefer to see all,” replied the king.

“Then come with me.”

The king and Remand followed into another room where they met a young man who was to be their escort.  The first now retired, and the young man advanced and shook their hands.

“Be seated for a moment,” said he.  “My name is Paulus.  I am to conduct you into the city, and be your guide for the day.  Such is the rule here.”  The speaker also took a seat by the table.  The king and his companion sat opposite.

“In this city,” continued Paulus, “there can be no hypocrisy, no deceit of any kind.  I am instructed, therefore, to tell you that your true name, character, and mission is known.  You are the king of Poland, and you his counselor and friend.”

The king started, changed color, and looked towards Remand.

“How—­how is that?” he stammered.

Paulus smiled.  “Do not be alarmed, my dear sir.  You were known before you entered the first gate yesterday.  These people have entertained you with a full knowledge of what you are; nevertheless, the treatment you have received has been in no wise different from that which is given to every honest man who comes to this city for righteous purposes, no matter be he high or low, rich or poor, in the estimation of the world.  You see, true worth and righteousness are the only standards of judgment here.  Again, you are safer here than in the house of your best friend in Poland, or surrounded by your old-time host of armed warriors; for violence is no more heard in this land, neither wasting nor destruction within our borders.  Our walls are Salvation; our gates, praise; and the inhabitants of this city are all righteous.  It is their inheritance forever, for they are a branch of the Lord’s planting, the work of His hands, wherein He is glorified.”

Neither of the strangers spoke.  The words seemed to thrill them into silence.

“Come, then, let us be going.”

The carriage was awaiting; but it was not the travelers’ own.

“No,” was Paulus’ answer to their inquiry, “your horses will rest.  This is our equipage.”

They drove into the city.

“’Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof.  Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the generations following,’” said Paulus.

“You quote from the writings of the ancient Hebrews,” said Remand.