The merchant at once broke out in high displeasure: "I am sorry that your informant should have told you a great falsehood, for we have undertaken this journey on the highway and in broad daylight, for the express purpose of speaking to your governors.

The horses and carriage which brought me here are both mine, and it was an uncalled-for act of politeness on the part of your commandant to furnish me with an escort.

I wish to see the gentleman in command here as soon as possible; it is to him alone that I mean to impart the motive of my journey; be so good, therefore, as to hand him my passport." The official examined the passport, and, looking at Anton, proceeded to inquire, with somewhat more consideration, "But this gentleman?
He has the appearance of an officer in your army." "I am a clerk of Mr.Schroeter's," returned Anton, with a bow; "and out and out a civilian." "Wait a while," said the young man, superciliously, going with the passport into a neighboring room.
As he remained away some time, and no one interfered with the travelers, they sat down on a bench, and tried to appear as unconcerned as possible.

Anton first cast an anxious glance at his principal, who was looking down gloomily, and then gazed about him in amazement.

The room in which they were was lofty, and the ceiling much ornamented, but the walls were dirty and smoke-stained; tables, chairs, and benches stood about in confusion, and seemed as if just brought in from the nearest tavern.