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Updated: May 15, 2025
She rose, saying: "Come, let us go to the palace." As she rose, Rischenheim made a quick impulsive step towards her. "Well, my lord," said she, turning towards him, "will you also go with me?" "Lieutenant von Bernenstein will take care " I began. But I stopped. The slightest gesture of her hand silenced me. "Will you go with me?" she asked Rischenheim again. "Madam," he stammered, "Madam "
Will your Majesty go on?" And Bernenstein took another step. "You're determined I shall," said the king with a laugh, and he let the young officer lead him away. Inside the room, Rischenheim stood with his back against the door. He was panting for breath, and his face was flushed and working with excitement. Opposite to him stood Sapt, revolver in hand.
"Yes, I know that. What of him, though?" "Sir," said Rischenheim with some dignity, "since he is dead, let him rest in peace. It is not for us to judge him." "He may well wish it were. For, by Heaven, I believe I should let the rogue off," said Colonel Sapt, "and I don't think his Judge will." "God forgive him, I loved him," said Rischenheim. "Yes, and many have loved him.
She seemed to consider for a moment, then she said: "I will see him. Go and bring him to me. You must be here while I talk to him, but nobody else." I did not know what she intended, but I saw no reason to oppose her wishes, and I was glad to find for her any means of employing this time of suspense. I obeyed her commands and brought Rischenheim to her.
"You're eating nothing," said the king. "I hope you're not indisposed?" "I am a little upset, sire," stammered Rischenheim, and truly enough. "Well, tell me about the dogs while I eat, for I'm hungry." Rischenheim began to disclose his secret. His statement was decidedly wanting in clearness. The king grew impatient.
Rudolf's voice had once been so like the king's that no man could tell the difference, but in the last year or two the king's had grown weaker, and Rischenheim seemed to be struck by the vigor of the tones in which he was addressed.
"It may be from Rischenheim. Perhaps he can get here sooner. I should like to know about those dogs. Read it, I beg." Sapt could do nothing but read it. He had taken to spectacles lately, and he spent a long while adjusting them and thinking what he should do if the message were not fit for the king's ear. "Be quick, man, be quick!" urged the irritable king.
I withdrew to the farther end of the room; but it was small, and I heard all that passed. I had my revolver ready to cover Rischenheim in case he should be moved to make a dash for liberty. But he was past that: Rupert's presence was a tonic that nerved him to effort and to confidence, but the force of the last dose was gone and the man was sunk again to his natural irresolution.
In the corner farthest from the door sat Rischenheim, disarmed, dispirited, to all seeming ready to throw up his dangerous game and acquiesce in any terms presented to him. Just inside the door, guarding it, if need should be, with their lives, were the other three, Bernenstein merry and triumphant, Sapt blunt and cool, Rudolf calm and clear-headed.
"You stay, if you like," said Rudolf, and the count knelt again by his kinsman. Seeing the rough bedsteads by the wall of the attic, I touched Rischenheim on the shoulder and pointed to one of them. Together we lifted Rupert of Hentzau. The revolver was still in his hand, but Bernenstein disengaged it from his grasp.
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