them to the gate and assuring them that he and his men always
would be at their command. His nation admired the American
people, he warmly declared.

"That old codger knows our people, and I'll bet a thousand on
it," said Harry, angrily, when they had gone some little
distance down the street. Then he told of the queer exposure
Dangloss had unwittingly made. Lorry, more excited than he
cared to show, agreed that there was something very suspicious
about this new discovery.

They walked about the quaint town for an hour or two, examining
the buildings, the people and the soldiery with deep interest.
From the head of the main street,--Castle Avenue,--they could
plainly see the royal palace, nearly a mile away. Its towers
and turrets, gray and gaunt, ran up among the green tree-tops
and were outlined plainly against the yellow hills. Countless
houses studded the steep mountain slope, and many people were
discerned walking and riding along the narrow, ledge-like
streets which wound toward the summit, far up in the clouds.
Clearly and distinctly could be seen the grim monastery, perched
at the very pinnacle of the mountain, several miles away. Up
there it looked bleak and cold and uninviting, in great contrast
to the loveliness and warmth of the valley. Down below the
grass was moist and soft, trees were approaching the stage where
yellow and red tints mingle with the rich green, flowers were
blooming, the land was redolent of the sweet fragrance of
autumn, the atmosphere warm, clear and invigorating. It was
paradise surmounted by desolation, drear and deadening.