But even as Rudolf spoke there was a violent knock at the door. Rudolf sprang to open it. Sapt and his revolver kept their places. Bernenstein was on the threshold, open-mouthed.
“The king’s servant has just gone by. He’s looking for Colonel Sapt. The King has been walking in the drive, and learnt from a sentry of Rischenheim’s arrival. I told the man that you had taken the count for a stroll round the castle, and I did not know where you were. He says that the king may come himself at any moment.”
Sapt considered for one short instant; then he was back by the prisoner’s side.
“We must talk again later on,” he said, in low quick tones. “Now you’re going to breakfast with the king. I shall be there, and Bernenstein. Remember, not a word of your errand, not a word of this gentleman! At a word, a sign, a hint, a gesture, a motion, as God lives, I’ll put a bullet through your head, and a thousand kings sha’n’t stop me. Rudolf, get behind the curtain. If there’s an alarm you must jump through the window into the moat and swim for it.”
“All right,” said Rudolf Rassendyll. “I can read my letter there.”
“Burn it, you fool.”
“When I’ve read it I’ll eat it, if you like, but not before.”
Bernenstein looked in again. “Quick, quick! The man will be back,” he whispered.
“Bernenstein, did you hear what I said to the count?”
“Yes, I heard.”