198 Ten Years of my Life. 



Mr. Bahnsen, who must have been a sleeping partner I sup- 

 pose, I accepted that of a very hvely partner, a Air. Dans, who 

 proved to be a very useful and agreeable travelhng companion. 

 As the coachman did not drive fast enough for him, he himself 

 took the reins. 



The journey was rather troublesome. The night was as 

 dark as could be, and we had t© light torches, which were ex- 

 tinguished by torrents of rain, At many places the road was 

 so rough and dangerous that I had to walk for some leagues, 

 which was indeed no joke on such anight and in such weather. 

 I had, moreover, only one pair of thin boots, which were soon 

 cut by the sharp stones. Fortunately I had plenty of things 

 to refresh myself inside, for the good sisters of Mr. Bahnsen 

 stuffed the vvhole carriage with an immense quantity of things, 

 not only for me and niy companions, but also for the Emperor 

 and my husband. 



Between ten and eleven o'clock a.m. I arrived in Queretaro, 

 and drove to my hotel to wash and to put on some other dress; 

 but when I heard that the Emperor did not yet know anything 

 of a respite, I would not delay a moment, but hastened as fast 

 as I could to the Capuchin convent. 



J was worn with fatigue ; my boots torn to pieces, and my 

 feet sore ; my hair in disorder, and my face and hands un- 

 washed » I 'must indeed have looked like a scarecrow, but I was 

 very happy and a little proud too. 



When T arrived some Americans were with the Emperor. 

 One of these visitors described the scene in a paper, and I will 

 give his description, as that of an unconcerned eye-witness 

 frequently conveys a far more correct idea of a situation than 

 can possibly be done by one of the interested persons : — 



* A bustle was heard outside, the heavy door w^as opened, 

 and a soldier announced " La Senora ! " In an instant Prince 

 Salm-Salm held the new-comer in his arms. She was the 

 voluntary messenger, his wife, who had just arrived from San 

 Luis Potosi from Juarez. Her face was sunburnt and soiled, 

 her shoes were torn, her whole frame trembled with nerveless 

 fatigue as she laid her hands upon her husband's shoulders. 

 The Archduke came forward eagerly, waiting his turn. The 

 Prince was heard to ask in a whisper, " Have you had any 

 success ? What did Juarez say ? " 



• "They will do what they have said in despatches. They 



