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To tell the truth, I thought that to leave him alone in Strelsau to watch that house was in all likelihood to sign his death warrant, and I shrank from imposing the duty on him. Rudolf might send him if he would; I dared not. So we got into our train, and I suppose that my coachman, when he had looked long enough for me, went home. I forgot to ask him afterwards.
Rudolf led the queen to a couch, and then briefly charged the servants not to speak of his presence for a few hours. As they had no doubt perceived, said he, from the queen's agitation, important business was on foot; it demanded his presence in Strelsau, but required also that his presence should not be known. A short time would free them from the obligation which he now asked of their loyalty.
Besides, I could not force my way in, there in open daylight, without a scandal that would have set all the long ears in Strelsau aprick. I turned away reluctantly. I did not even know for certain that Bauer was within, and thus had no information of value to carry with me. "If your lordship would kindly recommend me " said the old hag.
"My God! don't I know the risk? If they do find him, he's no worse off than if he isn't crowned today in Strelsau." So speaking, he flung the door open and, stooping, put forth a strength I did not dream he had, and lifted the King in his hands. And as he did so, the old woman, Johann the keeper's mother, stood in the doorway.
"It's an ingenious fancy, this of yours, James," the constable remarked. "What, though, if your master's killed too? That's quite possible. Count Rupert's a man to be reckoned with." "If my master is killed, sir, he must be buried," answered James. "In Strelsau?" came in quick question from Sapt. "He won't mind where, sir." "True, he won't mind, and we needn't mind for him." "Why, no, sir.
But my face grew long and apprehensive when I heard that Rudolf Rassendyll had gone alone to Strelsau to put his head in that lion's mouth in the Konigstrasse. "There will be three of them there Rupert, Rischenheim, and my rascal Bauer," said I. "As to Rupert, we don't know," Sapt reminded me. "He'll be there if Rischenheim arrives in time to tell him the truth.
And on all the way they spoke to one another only a few words, being both sunk deep in thought. But once Osra spoke, as they were already near to Strelsau. For she turned suddenly to the bishop, saying: "My lord, what is it? Do you know it?" "Yes, madam, I have known it," answered the bishop. "Yet you are a churchman!" "True, madam," said he, and he smiled sadly.
"Let her stay at Zenda and give out that the king is at the lodge for a day or two longer. Then you, Fritz for you must ride to the castle at once and Bernenstein must get to Strelsau as quick as you can, and find Rudolf Rassendyll. You three ought to be able to track young Rupert down and get the letter from him.
"I regret that we cannot amuse your Majesty here in Strelsau," she said, tapping her foot lightly on the floor. "I would have offered you more entertainment, but I was foolish enough to think " "Well, what?" I asked, leaning over her.
For it was the body of Josef, the little servant, slain in guarding the King. I felt a hand on my shoulders, and, turning, saw Sapt, eyes glaring and terror-struck, beside me. "The King? My God! the King?" he whispered hoarsely. I threw the candle's gleam over every inch of the cellar. "The King is not here," said I. His Majesty Sleeps in Strelsau
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