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Updated: June 28, 2025
He came forward and approached Rudolf; then he fell on one knee, and kissed Rudolf's left hand that was extended to him. "I'm very glad to see you, Lieutenant von Bernenstein," said Rudolf Rassendyll. For a moment the thing was done, ruin averted, and safety secured.
"Set a quiet man near her, and he dreams of battle; an ambitious fellow, after ten minutes of her, will ask nothing better than to muse all his life away. I don't trust her, Fritz; I wish the night were dark." "What will she do to Rudolf Rassendyll?" I asked, falling in with the old fellow's whimsical mood. "He will see the queen's face in hers," cried Bernenstein.
But the queen cried: "Are you sending Rudolf alone, then alone against two?" "Yes, madam, if I may command the campaign," said Sapt. "I take it he should be equal to the task." He could not know the feelings of the queen's heart. She dashed her hand across her eyes, and turned in mute entreaty to Rudolf Rassendyll. "I must go," he said softly. "We can't spare Bernenstein, and I mustn't stay here."
He did not lack courage, but that rarer virtue, coolness; and the importance or perhaps the shame of his mission upset the balance of his nerves. Hardly noting where he went, he allowed Bernenstein to lead him quickly and directly towards the room where Rudolf Rassendyll was, not doubting that he was being conducted to the king's presence.
In truth, she feared even then to find him dead, so strong was the hold of her dream on her; until she knew that he was alive she could not rest. Bernenstein, fearful that the strain would kill her, or rob her of reason, promised everything; and declared, with a confidence which he did not feel, that beyond doubt Mr. Rassendyll was alive and well.
"I would die for the queen, sir," he answered, clicking his heels together as though on parade. "Good," said Sapt. "Then listen," and he began again to talk. Bernenstein nodded from time to time. "You'll meet him at the gate," said the constable, "and bring him straight here. He's not to go anywhere else, you understand me?" "Perfectly, Colonel," smiled young Bernenstein.
But at this instant my ear caught the sound of horses cantering on the road from the forest; at the same moment Bernenstein cried, "Here they come!" The queen paused, and we gathered round her. The horse-hoofs came nearer. Now we made out the figures of three men: they were the king's huntsmen, and they rode along merrily, singing a hunting chorus.
Rupert crossed his legs and lit a cigarette. "But what did you find?" "I? I found the king's forester, and the king's boar-hound, and well, I found the king himself, too." "The king at the lodge?" "You weren't so wrong as you thought, were you?" "But surely Sapt, or Bernenstein, or some one was with him?" "As I tell you, his forester and his boar-hound. No other man or beast, on my honor."
The king passed his arm through Rischenheim's, adding to Bernenstein, "Lead the way, Lieutenant; and you, Colonel, come with us." They went out. Sapt stopped and locked the door behind him. "Why do you lock the door, Colonel?" asked the king. "There are some papers in my drawer there, sire." "But why not lock the drawer? "I have lost the key, sire, like the fool I am," said the colonel.
"Very good, sir," said young Bernenstein. "If he tries to escape or give any alarm, shoot him through the head, ride to the frontier, get to safe hiding, and, if you can, let us know." "Yes," said Bernenstein simply. Sapt had chosen well, and the young officer made nothing of the peril and ruin that her Majesty's service might ask of him.
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