Page:Anthony Hope - Rupert of Hentzau.djvu/96

86 cion seized him, for the face, though the King's face in every feature, bore a stern resolution and witnessed a vigour that were not the King's. In that instant the truth, or a hint of it, flashed across his mind. He gave a half- articulate cry; in one hand he crumpled up the paper, the other flew to his revolver. But he was too late. Rudolf's left hand encircled his hand and the paper in an iron grip; Rudolf's revolver was on his temple; and an arm was stretched out from behind the curtain, holding another barrel full before his eyes, while a dry voice said: "You'd best take it quietly." Then Sapt stepped out.

Rischenheim had no words to meet the sudden transformation of the interview. He seemed to be able to do nothing but stare at Rudolf Rassendyll. Sapt wasted no time. He snatched the Count's revolver and stowed it in his own pocket.

"Now take the paper," said he to Rudolf, and his barrel held Rischenheim motionless while Rudolf wrenched the precious document from his fingers. "Look if it's the right one. No, don't read it through; just look. Is it right? That's good. Now put your revolver to his head again. I'm going to search him. Stand up, sir!"

They compelled the Count to stand up, and Sapt subjected him to a search that made the concealment of another copy, or