Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/59

 well, then: Sapt must keep Rupert at bay, while I tackle Rischenheim. As soon as you can move, go to Strelsau and let Sapt know where you are."

"But if you're seen—if you're found out?"

"Better I than the Queen's letter," said he. Then he laid his hand on my arm and said quite quietly: "If the letter gets to the King, I and I only can do what must be done."

I did not know what he meant: perhaps it was that he would carry off the Queen sooner than leave her alone after her letter was known; but there was another possible meaning that I, a loyal subject, dared not inquire into. Yet I made no answer, for I was above all and first of all the Queen's servant. Still I cannot believe that he meant harm to the King.

"Come, Fritz," he cried, "don't look so glum. This is not so great an affair as the other, and we brought that through safe." I suppose I still looked doubtful, for he added, with a sort of impatience: "Well, I'm going, anyhow. Heavens, man, am I to sit here while that letter is carried to the King?"

I understood his feeling, and knew that he held life a light thing compared with the recovery of Queen Flavia's letter. I ceased to urge him. When I assented to his wishes, every shadow vanished from his face, and