His position as a Prussian general and a prince of both empires made him the most suitable person for the duty, and Zillenstein, in the heart of Austria, was the best place for the meeting.
Walther, a taciturn man, volunteered so much, but he went no farther, and John, despite his great anxiety, did not ask any questions.

He knew that he was a too recent arrival at Zillenstein to be making inquiries without arousing suspicion, and it was better anyhow to go slowly.

Late in the afternoon, Walther directed him to saddle and bridle a fine young horse and lead him to the front of the castle.
"One of the young noblemen who was wounded in a great battle in the west has been recovering from his wound at Zillenstein," he said, "and he has been riding every day toward evening.

You will hold the horse until he comes, but he is always prompt." John led the horse, a fine young bay, along a curving road, until he stood before the entrance of the castle.

There he waited in silence, but he was using his eyes all the time.