Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/114

98 situation in one of our English plays—'The Critic'—have you heard of it? Or, if you like, of two men, each covering the other with a revolver. For I can't expose Michael without exposing myself——"

"And the king," put in Sapt.

"And, hang me, if Michael won't expose himself if he tries to expose me!"

"It's very pretty," said old Sapt. "If I'm found out," I pursued, "I will make a clean breast of it, and fight it out with the duke; but at present I'm waiting for a move from him."

"He'll kill the king," said Fritz.

"Not he," said Sapt.

"Half of the Six are in Strelsau," said Fritz.

"Only half? You're sure? " asked Sapt eagerly.

"Yes—only half."

"Then the king's alive, for the other three are guarding him!" cried Sapt.

"Yes—you're right!" exclaimed Fritz, his face brightening. "If the king were dead and buried they'd all be here with Michael. You know Michael's back, colonel?"