ar like thunder arose from two hundred thousand people.

John knew that the Emperor, in truth, was now coming. Such a spontaneous
outburst could be for nothing else, and, in spite of every effort of the
will, his own excitement increased. He leaned forward for a better view
and just in front of their carriage he saw a slender upright figure that
looked familiar. A second glance told him that it was Kempner.

"Oh, Kempner!" he called, full of friendly feeling. "Come here with us.
You can see better!"

Kempner glanced up, and John distinctly saw a shadow come over his face.
Then he looked at them as one looks at strangers with a blank,
uncomprehending gaze, and the next instant slipped with extraordinary
agility into some crevice of the crowd and disappeared.

John flushed. Kempner's conduct was both rude and strange. He glanced at
his uncle and Mr. Anson, but they, absorbed in the coming of the
Emperor, had neither seen nor heard, and he was glad. His own attention
now turned to the event of the moment, because the mighty roar was
increasing in volume and coming nearer, and down the opening lane a
carriage followed by others was speeding. Along either side of the lane
the soldiers were packed so closely that they formed a living wall, but
John, standing up in their own carriage, saw over their heads.

He saw an old, old man in splendid uniform, sitting by the side of an
impassive officer also in a splendid uniform. The old man's cheeks were
sunken, and the heavy-lidded eyes stared straight before him. He sat
erect, but whether it was his own strength or the arrangement of the
seat John could not tell. His hand flew up, forward, then down, and up
forward and down again in automatic salute.

He was so near presently that it was only a spear's length over the
heads of the soldiers. Then John saw how truly old he was, and suddenly
his heart revolted. Why should this old, old man, broken by appalling
sorrows, be dragged out to have wars made in his name? The schemers and
plotters, whoever they were might let him rest in peace.

The carriage flashed on, and behind it came the others as fast. They
would not linger, to give a chance for bombs and knives. In an instant
the emperor was gone through the gates of Schoenbrunn, and first the
soldiers and then the roaring crowd closed in behind.

The Senator gave the order, and their carriage drove slowly away, the
three discussing what they had seen while the happy driver exult