I never thought in those days I should become rich enough to travel." The word that tingled with gold soothed the suspicious ear of the officer.
"What is your business in America ?" "I am a plumber, now retired." "And your business here ?" "Simply pleasure." "You are forty ?" said the officer, referring to the passports.
"Yes." "This is rather young to retire from business." "Not in America," easily.
"True, everybody grows rich there, with gold mines popping open at one's feet.

It must be a great country." The officer sighed as he refolded the documents.

"As soon as these are approved by his excellency the American consul, kindly have a porter bring them over to the bureau of police.

It will be only a matter of form.

I shall return them at once." Grumbach produced a Louis Napoleon which was then as now acceptable that side of the Rhine.