ans took particular pains
to study them. They were cleanly-built fellows, about medium height,
wiry and active. As a class, the men appeared to average five feet seven
inches in height, some a little taller, some a little shorter. The two
strangers were over six feet tall, broad-shouldered and athletic. They
looked like giants among these Graustark men.

"They're not very big, but they look as if they'd be nasty in a scrap,"
observed Anguish, unconsciously throwing out his chest.

"Strong as wildcats, I'll wager. The women are perfect, though. Have you
ever seen a smarter set of women, Harry?"

"Never, never! A paradise of pretty women. I believe I'll take out
naturalization papers."

When the two strangers left the dining-room they were conscious that
every eye in the place was upon them. They drew themselves to their full
height and strode between the tables toward the door, feeling that as
they were on exhibition they ought to appear to the best advantage.
During the evening they heard frequent allusions to "the Americans,"
but could not understand what was said. The hotel men were more than
obsequious; the military men and citizens were exceedingly deferential;
the women who strolled on the piazza or in the great garden back of the
hotel were discreetly curious.

"We seem to be the whole show here, Gren," said Anguish, as they sat
down at one of the tables in the garden.

"I guess Americans are rare."

"I've found one fellow who can speak German and French, and not one,
except our guard who can talk English. That clerk talks German fairly
well. I never heard such a language as these other people use. Say, old
man, we'd better make inquiry about our friends to-night. That clerk
probably won't be on duty to-morrow."

"We'll ask him before we go to bed," agreed Lorry, and upon leaving
the brilliantly lighted garden they sought the landlord and asked if
he could tell them where Caspar Guggenslocker lived. He looked politely
incredulous and thoughtful, and then, with profound regret, assured them
he had never heard the name. He said he had lived in Edelweiss all his
life, and knew everybody of consequence in the town.

"Surely there must be such people here," cried Lorry, almost
appealingly. He felt disheartened and cheated. Anguish was biting his
lips.

"Oh, possibly among the poorer classes. If I were you, sir, I should
call on Captain Dangloss, the Chief of Police. He knows every soul in
Edelweiss. I am p