Their journey was over.
A brief conversation was carried on between Seaman and the official, during which Dominey took curious note of his surroundings.

Around the station, half hidden in some places by the trees and shrubs, was drawn a complete cordon of soldiers, who seemed to have recently disembarked from a military train which stood upon a siding.

In the middle of it was a solitary saloon carriage, painted black, with much gold ornamentation, and having emblazoned upon the central panel the royal arms of Germany.
Seaman, when he had finished his conversation, took Dominey by the arm and led him across the line towards it.

An officer received them at the steps and bowed punctiliously to Dominey, at whom he gazed with much interest.
"His Majesty will receive you at once," he announced.

"Follow me." They boarded the train and passed along a richly carpeted corridor.
Their guide paused and pointed to a small retiring-room, where several men were seated.
"Herr Seaman will find friends there," he said.