Weber was gone as completely as if he had been snatched up into the air by an invisible hand, and John felt that he had missed an opportunity.
He took courage, nevertheless, and dismissing Weber from his mind, he made a renewed effort.

The precious passport once more came into play, and gradually, he made his way toward the finest hotel in Metz.

If Auersperg was still in the city it was likely that a man of his temper and luxurious habits would be at this hotel.
There were sentinels about the building and it was crowded with guests of high degree.

The assemblage here was altogether different from that of the Inn of the Golden Lion.

Generals and colonels were passing, and John learned from a soldier that a prince of the empire was inside.