ds."

"Aye, so we are, sir," said the bold Suzanne, "but we also have hands of
our own and can help."

"I know it, Suzanne, and I know that you will not fail when the time
comes."

Julie returned to the machine and John put his hand on the wheel again,
finding it a great relief to drive on a fairly level road. Throughout
the descent of the slope he had been in fear of skidding and a fatal
smash. Although much snow was left on the crests and sides of the
mountains, none was visible in the valley, and the great mass of green
foliage was restful to the eye.

"The first inhabitant to greet us," said John.

A man driving a flock of sheep was coming toward them. He was a sturdy
fellow, with a red feather in his cap, which was cocked a bit saucily on
one side of his head. It was evident that he was a shepherd, whose sheep
had been driven into the lowlands by the storm. John, both from prudence
and natural consideration, brought his machine down to a slow pace, and
spoke pleasantly to the man, who was looking at them with much
curiosity.

"We're from the family of the Prince of Auersperg," said John, "and
we're making our way toward the coast. The prince wishes a lady whom he
esteems very highly to reach Trieste as soon as possible. Where can we
find the best inn for the night?"

"The village of Tellnitz, which you should reach about dark, has a
famous inn, and there is no finer landlord than Herr Leinfelder."

John thanked him, and drove on, increasing his speed, after he had
passed the sheep. He looked back once, and saw the shepherd placidly
driving his flock before him. He was singing, too, and the musical notes
came to them, telling them very clearly that one Austrian, at least, did
not suspect them.

"Our first test has been passed successfully," said John, "and I look
upon it as a good omen. But don't forget that I'm Jean Castel of
Lorraine, French by descent, but a devoted German subject, in the
service of the Prince of Auersperg. I intend that we shall pass the
night in the inn of the good Herr Leinfelder at Tellnitz, and I believe
that we will go on the next day still unsuspected. I've seen no
telephone wires in the valley, and doubtless there is no connection
between Zillenstein and Tellnitz."

They passed more peasants, none of whom asked them any questions, but
they saw no soldiers.

Toward night they beheld the usual lofty church spire, and then the
huddled houses of a small village. One rather larg