Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/54

 Rupert to trust himself in the kingdom, and he knew that the King would not easily be persuaded to receive him, however startling might be the business he professed as his errand. On the other hand, nothing was known against Rischenheim, while his rank would secure and indeed entitle him to an early audience. Therefore I concluded that Rischenheim would go with the letter, or, if Rupert would not let that out of his possession, with the news of the letter.

"Or a copy," suggested Rudolf. "Well, Rischenheim or Rupert will be on his way by to-morrow morning, or is on his way to-night."

Again I tried to rise, for I was on fire to prevent the fatal consequences of my stupidity. Rudolf thrust me back in my chair, saying, "No, no." Then he sat down at the table and took up the telegraph forms.

"You and Sapt arranged a cipher, I suppose?" he asked.

"Yes. You write the message and I'll put it into the cipher."

"This is what I’ve written: ’Document lost. Let nobody see him if possible. Wire who asks.’ I don't like to make it plainer: most ciphers can be read, you know."

"Not ours," said I.

"Well, but will that do?" asked Rudolf with an unconvinced smile.

"Yes, I think he'll understand it." And I