Sapt laughed; Simon was gratified at the tribute, and laughed even more heartily himself.
“We haven’t even cooked it yet,” said Sapt, “but I won’t answer for it that we sha’n’t have by to-morrow.”
“All right, sir; I’ll be here. By the way, there’s another bit of news come on the wires. They say Count Rupert of Hentzau has been seen in the city.”
“Rupert of Hentzau? Oh, pooh! Nonsense, my good Simon. He daren’t show his face there for his life.”
“Ah, but it may be no nonsense. Perhaps that’s what took the king to Strelsau.”
“It’s enough to take him if it’s true,” admitted Sapt.
“Well, good day, sir.”
“Good day, Simon.”
The two huntsmen rode off. James watched them for a little while.
“The king,” he said then, “is known to be in Strelsau; and now Count Rupert is known to be in Strelsau. How is Count Rupert to have killed the king here in the forest of Zenda, sir?”