Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/109

Rh bold plan on which they consulted. Sapt twirled his moustache, smiling doubtfully.

"Yes, yes," murmured young Bernenstein, his eyes alight with excitement.

"It's dangerous, but the best thing," said Rudolf, carefully sinking his voice yet lower, lest the prisoner should catch the lightest word of what he said. "It involves my staying here till the evening. Is that possible?"

"No; but you can leave here and hide in the forest till I join you," said Sapt.

"Till we join you," corrected Bernenstein eagerly.

"No," said the Constable, "you must look after our friend here. Come, Lieutenant, it's all in the Queen's service."

"Besides," added Rudolf with a smile, "neither the Colonel nor I would let you have a chance at Rupert. He's our game, isn't he, Sapt?"

The Colonel nodded. Rudolf in his turn took paper, and here is the message that he wrote:

"Holf, 19 Königstrasse, Strelsau.—All well. He has what I had, but wishes to see what you have. He and I will be at the hunting-lodge at ten this evening. Bring it and meet us. The business is unsuspected.—L-R."

Rudolf flung the paper across to Sapt; Bernenstein leant over the Constable's shoulder and read it eagerly.

"I doubt if it would bring me," grinned old Sapt, throwing the paper down.