John saw discipline and attention everywhere.
The German note was discipline and obedience, obedience and discipline.
A nation, with wonderful powers of thinking, it was a nation that ceased to think when the call of the drill sergeant came.

Discipline and obedience had made it terrible and unparalleled in war, to a certain point, but beyond that point the nations that did think in spite of their sergeants, could summon up reserves of strength and courage which the powers of the trained militarists could not create.

At least John thought so.
The long windows of the house threw back the last rays of the setting sun, and it was twilight when von Arnheim and his four captives entered the chateau.

A large man, middle-aged, heavy and bearded, wearing the uniform of a German general rose, and a staff of several officers rose with him.

It was Auersperg, the medieval prince, and John's heart was troubled.
Von Arnheim saluted, bowing deeply.