Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/366

348 as well as ideas. If you fill the one you supply the other."

"I think," said Sapt, "that both the plans are good. Suppose we choose the latter, what then?"

"Why, then, by to-morrow at mid-day the news flashes through Ruritania—yes, and through Europe—that the King, miraculously preserved to-day"

"Praise be to God!" interjected Colonel Sapt; and young Eernenstein laughed.

"—Has met a tragic end."

"It will occasion great grief," said Sapt.

"Meanwhile I am safe over the frontier."

"Oh, you're quite safe?"

"Absolutely. And in the afternoon of tomorrow, you and Bernenstein will set out for Strelsau, bringing with you the body of the King." And Rudolf, after a pause, whispered: "You must shave his face. And if the doctors want to talk about how long he's been dead, why, they have, as I say, palms."

Sapt sat silent for awhile, apparently considering the scheme. It was risky enough in all conscience, but success had made Rudolf bold, and he had learnt how slow suspicion is if a deception be bold enough. It is only likely frauds that are detected.

"Well, what do you say?" asked Mr. Rassendyll. I observed that he said nothing to Sapt of what the Queen and he had determined to do afterwards.