Part 10 (1/2)

”Come on,” cried Sapt, whose iven way

We rushed down the passage towards the cellars The door of the coal-cellar stood wide open

”They found the old woht have known that from the handkerchiefs,” he said

Then we came opposite the door of the wine-cellar It was shut It looked in all respects as it had looked e left it that ht,” said I

A loud oath froain at the floor From under the door a red stain had spread over the floor of the passage and dried there Sapt sank against the opposite wall I tried the door It was locked

”Where's Josef?” ?” I responded

Sapt took out a flask and put it to his lips I ran back to the dining-room, and seized a heavy poker from the fireplace In my terror and excitement I rained blows on the lock of the door, and I fired a cartridge into it It gave way, and the door swung open

”Give ainst the wall

He was, of course, more moved than I, for he loved his master Afraid for himself he was not--no ht lie in that dark cellar was enough to turn any man's face pale

I went -table and struck a light, and, as I returned, I felt the hot wax drip on my naked hand as the candle swayed to and fro; so that I cannot afford to despise Colonel Sapt for his agitation

I ca more and more to a dull brown, stretched inside I walked two yards into the cellar, and held the candle high aboveon the walls; I saw, too, a couple of e on the floor; and then, away in the corner, I saw the body of aflat on his back, with his arash across his throat I walked to him and knelt down beside him, and commended to God the soul of a faithful man For it was the body of Josef, the little servant, slain in guarding the King

I felt a hand onand terror-struck, beside ?” he whispered hoarsely

I threw the candle's glea is not here,” said I

CHAPTER 7

His Majesty Sleeps in Strelsau

I put my arm round Sapt's waist and supported hi the battered door close after -rooreat gasp, and was hiain As the clock on the mantelpiece struck one he staot the King!”

”Yes,” said I, ”'all's well!' as Black Michael's despatch said What a moment it must have been for hi! I wonder when he got the ,” said Sapt ”They must have sent it before news of your arrival at Strelsau reached Zenda--I suppose it came from Zenda”

”And he's carried it about all day!” I exclai day! What did he think, Sapt?”