Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/28

 that I made no difficulty about contradicting the report with an authoritative air. Anton heard me with a judicial wrinkle on his smooth brow.

"That's all very well," said he, "and I daresay you're bound to say so. All I know is that Rischenheim dropped a hint to Colonel Markel a day or two ago."

"Rischenheim believes what he hopes," said I.

"And where's he gone?" cried Anton exultantly. "Why has he suddenly left Strelsau? I tell you he's gone to meet Rupert, and I'll bet you what you like he carries some proposal. Ah, you don't know everything, Fritz, my boy!"

It was indeed true that I did not know everything. I made haste to admit as much.

"I didn't even know that the Count was gone, much less why he's gone," said I.

"You see!" exclaimed Anton. And he added patronisingly: "You should keep your ears open, my boy; then you might be worth what the King pays you."

"No less, I trust," said I, "for he pays me nothing." Indeed at this time I held no office save the honorary position of Chamberlain to Her Majesty. Any advice the King needed from me was asked and given unofficially.

Anton went off, persuaded that he had scored a point against me. I could not see