Two or three squadrons of cavalry were quartered there.

The landlord at the inn where he put up at once asked for his papers.

These he took to the town offices, where they were stamped as being in due order.

Half an hour later, as Fergus was at his meal, two officers entered.
"Your papers appear to be right, sir," one of them said courteously; "but in times like these, it is our duty to examine closely into these matters.

You come from Vienna ?" "Yes, sir." "Which way did you travel ?" "By way of Linz and Budweis," he said.