Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/371

Rh vision as we, and endowed with more unshrinking boldness. But when I saw how Rudolf looked at him, I did not know but that they would go from the Queen's presence set on a deadly quarrel. Mr. Rassendyll, however, mastered his temper.

"You're all bent on having me a rascal," he said coldly. "Fritz and Bernenstein here urge me; you, Sapt, try to force me. James there is in the plot, for all I know."

"I suggested it, sir," said James, not defiantly or with disrespect, but as in simple dutiful obedience to his master's implied question.

"As I thought—all of you! Well, I won't be forced. I see now that there's no way out of this affair, save one. That one I’ll follow."

We none of us spoke, but waited till he should be pleased to continue.

"Of the Queen's letter I need say nothing, and will say nothing," he pursued. "But I will tell them that I'm not the King, but Rudolf Rassendyll; and that I played the King only in order to serve the Queen and punish Rupert of Hentzau. That will serve, and it will cut this net of Sapt's from about my limbs."

He spoke firmly and coldly, so that when I looked at him I was amazed to see how his lips twitched and that his forehead was moist with sweat. Then I understood what