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Updated: June 12, 2025
"Wasn't I also his loyal subject?" asked young Bernenstein. "Yes, wounded in my service," added Rudolf; for he remembered how the boy he was little more then had been fired upon in the park of Tarlenheim, being taken for Mr. Rassendyll himself. Thus their plans were laid. If they could defeat Rupert, they would have Rischenheim at their mercy.
Then Michael harshly bade him hold his tongue, and leave them; but Rupert must needs first kiss madame's hand, which he did as though he loved her, while Michael glared at him. This was the lighter side of the fellow's news; but more serious came behind, and it was plain that if time pressed at Tarlenheim, it pressed none the less fiercely at Zenda.
The King was lying there in bed; our doctor from Tarlenheim was in attendance on him, and whispered to me that my visit must be brief. The King held out his hand and shook mine. Fritz and the doctor withdrew to the window. I took the King's ring from my finger and placed it on his. "I have tried not to dishonour it, sire," said I. "I can't talk much to you," he said, in a weak voice.
"Then," said I, "the King may live." "Well, and if he does?" "For a fortnight?" I asked simply. And Sapt bit his moustache. Suddenly Fritz von Tarlenheim laid his hand on my shoulder. "Let us go and make the attempt," said he. "I mean you to go don't be afraid," said I. "Ay, but do you stay here, and take care of the princess." A gleam came into old Sapt's eye.
"But you'll be here, Constable," urged Bernenstein, "and Fritz von Tarlenheim will arrive in an hour." "Ay, young man," said Sapt, nodding his head; "but when I fight Rupert of Hentzau, I like to have a man to spare," and he grinned broadly, being no whit afraid of what Bernenstein might think of his courage. "Now go and get him a hat," he added, and the lieutenant ran off on the errand.
At twelve o'clock, Sapt's command left the chateau of Tarlenheim and struck off to the right, riding by unfrequented roads, and avoiding the town of Zenda. If all went well, they would be in front of the Castle by about a quarter to two. Leaving their horses half a mile off, they were to steal up to the entrance and hold themselves in readiness for the opening of the door.
But he placed it carefully on the mantelpiece, and, with a slight smile on his face, turned to Rupert, saying: "Now shall we resume the bout that Fritz von Tarlenheim interrupted in the forest of Zenda?" All this while they had been speaking in subdued accents, resolution in one, anger in the other, keeping the voice in an even, deliberate lowness.
Thus Johann told his tale and seized his crowns. Yet he besought us to allow him to stay with us in Tarlenheim, and not venture his head again in the lion's den; but we had need of him there, and, although I refused to constrain him, I prevailed on him by increased rewards to go back and carry tidings to Madame de Mauban that I was working for her, and that, if she could, she should speak one word of comfort to the King.
"Then we are all brethren of the sword," answered Tarlenheim, holding out his hand, which I took readily. "Rassendyll, Rassendyll!" muttered Colonel Sapt; then a gleam of intelligence flitted across his face. "By Heaven!" he cried, "you're of the Burlesdons?" "My brother is now Lord Burlesdon," said I. "Thy head betrayeth thee," he chuckled, pointing to my uncovered poll.
Mayn't God do anything that Fritz von Tarlenheim can't understand? a pretty notion, on my life!" And he goes off grumbling. Well, be it inspiration, or be it delusion and the difference stands often on a hair's breadth I am glad that Rudolf had it. For if a man once grows rusty, it is everything short of impossible to put the fine polish on his skill again. Mr.
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