“Then—when he comes?” asked Bernenstein.
“He finds such a king as Rischenheim found, and Sapt, here, at his elbow.”
“But he’ll know you,” objected Bernenstein.
“Ay, I think he’ll know me,” said Rudolf with a smile. “Meanwhile we send for Fritz to come here and look after the king.”
“And Rischenheim?”
“That’s your share, Lieutenant. Sapt, is any one at Tarlenheim?”
“No. Count Stanislas has put it at Fritz’s disposal.”
“Good; then Fritz’s two friends, the Count of Luzau-Rischenheim and Lieutenant von Bernenstein, will ride over there to-day. The constable of Zenda will give the lieutenant twenty-four hours’ leave of absence, and the two gentlemen will pass the day and sleep at the chateau. They will pass the day side by side, Bernenstein, not losing sight of one another for an instant, and they will pass the night in the same room. And one of them will not close his eyes nor take his hand off the butt of his revolver.”
“Very good, sir,” said young Bernenstein.
“If he tries to escape or give any alarm, shoot him through the head, ride to the frontier, get to safe hiding, and, if you can, let us know.”