It was of no use in Austria, except as a proof of identity, and good faith, and as such it served him well.
In the afternoon he began to ascend the slope that confined the southern side of the valley, and toward night he drew near to Zillenstein.

The view of the castle here was less clear than from the other side of the valley.

Patches of pine on the slopes beneath hid many of the towers and battlements, but he saw lights shining from lofty windows, and about the castle were many small houses.

He surmised that Zillenstein and its surroundings had not changed much since the Middle Ages.

Here was the castle, and below it were the cottages and huts of the peasants and retainers who might be as loyal as ever to the prince whose lineage was more ancient than that of either Hohenzollern or Hapsburg.
Two young hussars riding down the road, their horses' hoofs ringing on the stones, brought back the modern world.