Once more the Germans disembarked, wondering whether their stay on shore would be long enough for a closer view of the fine churches and palaces of London. Of so large a city as this even John Conrad had never dreamed.
"Shall we see the Queen?" asked Sabina in a whisper of her father.
John Conrad smiled.
"We might see her riding in her chariot."
Then John Conrad grew sober. As they stood crowded together upon the quay some young lads shouted at them roughly. The ears which expected only kindness were shocked.
"They say we are taking the bread from their mouths," repeated Conrad. "They call us 'rascally' Germans."
"There are rude folk everywhere," said John Conrad.
He directed the children to take their bundles and follow a man who seemed to have authority to conduct them to some place in which they were to spend the night.
The way thither proved to be long. Again and again it was necessary to stop to rest or to give time for the short legs of the little children to catch up. Again and again the heavy burdens were shifted about. They traveled into the open country—a strange stopping place for those who were so soon to continue their journey! They passed many men and women who looked at them curiously. Presently they heard their own German speech.
"We will have to wait awhile, probably, for ships," said John Conrad to his son. "Of course we could not expect to go on at once. We—"