y pronounced the word as if naming something as
great as Paris.

It was already July, St. John's day being two weeks gone; yet the echoes
of its markets and feastings lingered. The word "Johanni" smote even an
ear deaf to the language. It was like a dissolving fair.

"You are too late for Johanni," said the German who kept the house for
travelers, speaking the kind of French we heard in Poland. "Perhap it is
just as well for you. This Johanni has nearly ruined me!"

Yet he showed a disposition to hire my singular servant from me at a
good wage, walking around and around Skenedonk, who bore the scrutiny
like a pine tree.

The Oneida enjoyed his travels. It was easy for him to conform to the
thoughts and habits of Europe. We had not talked about the venture into
Russia. He simply followed me where I went without asking questions,
proving himself faithful friend and liberal minded gentleman.

We supped privately, and I dressed with care. Horses were put in for our
last short post of a few streets. We had suffered such wretched quarters
on the way that the German guest-house spread itself commodiously. Yet
its walls were the flimsiest slabs. I heard some animal scratching and
whining in the next chamber. On the post-road, however, we had not
always a wall betwixt ourselves and the dogs.

The palace in Mittau stood conspicuous upon an island in the river. As
we approached, it looked not unlike a copy of Versailles. The pile was
by no means brilliant with lights, as the court of a king might glitter,
finding reflection upon the stream. We drove with a clatter upon the
paving, and a sentinel challenged us.

I had thought of how I should obtain access to this secluded royal
family, and Skenedonk was ready with the queen's jewel-case in his
hands. Not on any account was he to let it go out of them until I took
it and applied the key; but gaining audience with Madame d'Angouleme, he
was to tell her that the bearer of that casket had traveled far to see
her, and waited outside.

Under guard the Oneida had the great doors shut behind him. The wisdom
of my plan looked less conspicuous as time went by. The palace loomed
silent, without any cheer of courtiers. The horses shook their straps,
and the postilion hung lazily by one leg, his figure distinct against
the low horizon still lighted by after-glow. Some Mittau noises came
across the Aa, the rumble of wheels, and a barking of dogs.

When apprehension began to pinch my he