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228 the moat? I trusted that Black Michael, putting this query to himself, would answer confidently, "None"; while even if Johann meant treachery he did not know my scheme, and would doubtless expect to see me, at the head of my friends, before the front entrance to the château. There, I said to Sapt, was the real danger.

"And there," I added, "you shall be. Doesn't that content you?"

But it did not. Dearly would he have liked to come with me had I not utterly refused to take him. One man might escape notice; to double the party more than doubled the risk: and when he ventured to hint once again that my life was too valuable, I, knowing the secret thought he clung to, sternly bade him be silent, assuring him that unless the king lived through the night I would not live through it either.

At twelve o'clock Sapt's command left the château of Tarlenheim and struck off to the right, riding by unfrequented roads, and avoiding the town of Zenda. If all went well they would be in front of Zenda by about a quarter to two.