“I am coming to Strelsau. The king will not leave the lodge to-day. The count came, but left before we arrived. I do not know whether he has gone to Strelsau. He gave no news to the king.”
“Then they didn’t get him!” cried Bernenstein in deep disappointment.
“No, but he gave no news to the king,” said Rudolf triumphantly.
They were all standing now round the queen, who sat on the couch. She seemed very faint and weary, but at peace. It was enough for her that Rudolf fought and planned for her.
“And see this,” Rudolf went on. “‘The king will not leave the lodge to-day.’ Thank God, then, we have to-day!”
“Yes, but where’s Rupert?”
“We shall know in an hour, if he’s in Strelsau,” and Mr. Rassendyll looked as though it would please him well to find Rupert in Strelsau. “Yes, I must seek him. I shall stand at nothing to find him. If I can only get to him as the king, then I’ll be the king. We have to-day!”
My message put them in heart again, although it left so much still unexplained. Rudolf turned to the queen.
“Courage, my queen,” said he. “A few hours now will see an end of all our dangers.”
“And then?” she asked.