Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/106

96 "A thousand thanks, my lord. And the place it's despatched from?"

"Strelsau."

"Just turn it so that I can see. Oh, I don't doubt you, but seeing is believing. Ah, thanks. It's as you say. You 're puzzled what it means. Count?"

"I don't know at all what it means."

"How strange! Because I can guess so well."

"You are very acute, sir."

"It seems to me a simple thing to guess, my lord."

"And pray," said Rischenheim, endeavouring to assume an easy and sarcastic air, "what does your wisdom tell you that the message means?"

"I think, my lord, that the message is an address."

"An address! I never thought of that. But I know no Holf."

"I don't think it's Holfs address."

"Whose then?" asked Rischenheim, biting his nail, and looking furtively at the Constable.

"Why," said Sapt, "the present address of Count Rupert of Hentzau."

As he spoke, he fixed his eyes on the eyes of Rischenheim. He gave a short sharp laugh, then put his revolver in his pocket and bowed to the Count.

"In truth, you are very convenient, my dear Count," said he.