As the Danube had lately caused some devastations, on which occasion the railroad had not entirely escaped, we rode for the first four miles, as far as Florisdorf, in an omnibus--not the most agreeable mode of travelling.

Our omnibuses are so small and narrow, that one would suppose they were built for the exclusive accommodation of consumptive subjects, and not for healthy, and in some cases portly individuals, whose bulk is further increased by a goodly assemblage of cloaks, furs, and overcoats.
At the barriers a new difficulty arose.

We delivered up our pass-warrants (_passirscheine_) in turn, with the exception of one young man, who was quite astounded at the demand.

He had provided nothing but his passport and testimonials, being totally unaware that a pass-warrant is more indispensable than all the rest.

In vain did he hasten into the bureau to expostulate with the officials,--we were forced to continue our journey without him.
We were informed that he was a student, who, at the conclusion of term, was about to make holiday for a few weeks at his parents' house near Prague.