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Sapt cried out at his death, as I had heard, and they rushed on the servants; but these, in fear, dropped their weapons, and Antoinette flung herself weeping at Sapt's feet. And all she cried was, that I had been at the end of the bridge and leapt off. "What of the prisoner?" asked Sapt; but she shook her head.
If I had been killed in open day in the streets of Strelsau, Sapt's position would have been a difficult one. Perhaps I ought to say that I was dressed all in white, except my boots. I wore a silver helmet with gilt ornaments, and the broad ribbon of the Rose looked well across my chest.
The King began talking of what he would do in the future, old Sapt of what he had done in the past, Fritz of some beautiful girl or other, and I of the wonderful merits of the Elphberg dynasty. We all talked at once, and followed to the letter Sapt's exhortation to let the morrow take care of itself. At last the King set down his glass and leant back in his chair. "I have drunk enough," said he.
They could fight a fair fight, and if he fell the lamp would be caught up and carried on by Sapt's hand or mine; if he got the better of Rupert, the letter would be his; a moment would destroy it and give safety to the queen.
Sapt's story ran on for eight or nine minutes. Then he paused, before asking: "You understand now?" "Yes, it is wonderful," said the young man, drawing in his breath. "Pooh!" said Sapt. "Nothing is wonderful: some things are unusual." Bernenstein was not convinced, and shrugged his shoulders in protest. "Well?" said the constable, with a quick glance at him.
I wonder, my lord, that you didn't notice that the flag was hauled down." "Tut, man, I wasn't staring at the keep. Give me the letter." For I saw that the clue to this fresh puzzle must lie under the cover of Sapt's letter. That letter I must myself carry to Sapt, and without loss of time. "Give you the letter, my lord? But, pardon me, you're not the constable." He laughed a little.
A glance from Sapt's eyes told me that he discerned what I was about to say. I was silent. "You'll be in time?" asked the queen, with clasped hands and frightened eyes. "Assuredly, madam," returned Sapt with a bow. "You won't let him reach the king?" "Why, no, madam," said Sapt with a smile. "From my heart, gentlemen," she said in a trembling voice, "from my heart "
It crashed on the crown of Bauer's head, and he fell like a log to the ground with his skull split. The queen's hold on me relaxed; she sank into Rischenheim's arms. I ran forward and knelt by Mr. Rassendyll. He still held Sapt's hands, and by their help buoyed himself up. But when he saw me he let go of them and sank back against me, his head resting on my chest.
Then he followed the constable, who brought him where the horse was. Sapt's devices for securing freedom from observation had served well, and Rudolf mounted unmolested. "The hat doesn't fit very well," said Rudolf. "Like a crown better, eh?" suggested the colonel. Rudolf laughed as he asked, "Well, what are my orders?"
"Early to-morrow, we you and I " "Oh, I also?" asked the colonel. "Yes; you, Bernenstein, and I will be at the lodge." "That's not impossible, though I have had nearly enough riding." Rudolf fixed his eyes firmly on Sapt's. "You see," he said, "the king reaches his hunting-lodge early in the morning." "I follow you, sire." "And what happens there, Sapt? Does he shoot himself accidentally?"
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