Wherever the tall, distinguished Americans walked they formed the center of observation, and were the cause of comment that bore unmistakable signs of admiration.  They bowed pleasantly to many of those who passed them, and received in return gracious and profound recognition.  Military men saluted courteously; the women stared modestly and prettily—­perhaps covetously; the merchants and citizens in general bowed 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—­”