We stood so, gazing down in silence at the snow-choked pass which now cut us off from the world entire.
"After all," said I, "it pens in the huns as well as it cages us. We may get them yet."
The girl straightened up and turned toward me. Her features were radiant, transfigured.
"Nous les aurons!" she cried, throwing her arm out toward the valley with the superb gesture of some young goddess launching thunderbolts.
XIV
THE MYSTERIOUS MR. SMITH
The distinguished company at the chalet had already gathered on the veranda apparently to contemplate the flaming sunset when, separating from Thusis in the woods behind the barn, I sauntered into view with rod and creel.
Instantly I became a target for Teutonic eyes of the several sorts peculiar to the hunnish race,—cold disapproving eyes, narrow bad-tempered eyes, squinting eyes, gimlet eyes, pale pig-eyes,—all intent on my approach.
"Hello!" cried King Constantine in his loud, bluff way, "have you had any luck, O'Ryan?"
The fat Princess Pudelstoff began to pant cheerfully in anticipation of finny food: