Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/254

234 He talks of nothing but cutting the play-actor's throat."

Didn't he, indeed?

"And if I do it for him what do you think he's promised me?"

The unhappy woman raised her hands above her head, in prayer or in despair.

"But I detest waiting," said Rupert; and I saw that he was about to lay his hand on her again when there was a noise of a door in the room opening, and a harsh voice cried:

"What are you doing here, sir?"

Rupert turned his back to the window, bowed low, and said in his loud, merry tones:

"Apologizing for your absence, sir. Could I leave the lady alone?"

The newcomer must be Black Michael. I saw him directly, as he advanced toward the window. He caught young Rupert by the arm.

"The moat would hold more than the king!" said he, with a significant gesture.

"Does your Highness threaten me?" asked Rupert.