"'And if we arrived before the time?'
"'The conductor would be punished.'
"'And if after?'
"'He would also be punished.'
"'Ah! that is very well arranged.'
"'Every thing is well arranged in Prussia.'
"I bowed assentingly. Not for worlds would I have contradicted a gentleman possessed of such an exalted opinion of his country and its institutions, and who answered my questions so courteously and laconically. My acquiescence appeared to gratify him. I felt encouraged, and continued my enquiries.
"'Pardon me, sir, but at what hour ought the diligence to arrive at Aix-la-Chapelle?'
"'At twenty-five minutes to five.'
"'But if the conductor's watch were slow?'