Part 29 (1/2)

Rischenheie to answer him

”Yes, I kno that I have to deal with an impostor,” said he defiantly

”Precisely And impostors can't afford to be exposed” Rischenheim's cheek turned rather pale Rudolf faced hiuarded the door He was absolutely at their mercy; and he knew their secret Did they know his--the news that Rupert of Hentzau had brought?

”Listen,” said Rudolf ”For a few hours to-day I a in Strelsau In those few hours I have an account to settle with your cousin: so now to seek him, and while I seek him you will stay here with Bernenstein Perhaps I shall fail, perhaps I shall succeed Whether I succeed or fail, by to-night I shall be far froain”

Rischenheiht start, and a look of triu was dead

Rudolf ca his eyes steadily on his prisoner's face

”I don't know,” he continued, ”why you are in this business, my lord

Your cousin's reat enough to justify the ruin of an unhappy lady who is your queen

Be assured that I will die sooner than let that letter reach the king's hand”

Rischenheim made him no answer

”Are you ar his revolver on the table Bernenstein came forward and took it

”Keep him here, Bernenstein When I return I'll tell you what more to do If I don't return, Fritz will be here soon, and you and he ive me the slip a second time,” said Bernenstein

”We hold ourselves free,” said Rudolf to Rischenheim, ”to do e please with you, my lord But I have no wish to cause your death, unless it be necessary You will be wise to wait till your cousin's fate is decided before you atteht bow he left the prisoner in Bernenstein's charge, and went back to the rooa ith her The queen sprang up to meet him

”I mustn't lose a moment,” he said ”All that crowd of people kno that the king is here The neill filter through the town in no ti's ears at all costs: I o and dohim Her eyes seemed to devour his face; but she said only: ”Yes, it must be so”

”You one I shall send out and ask the people to disperse, and then I must be off”

”To seek Rupert of Hentzau?”

”Yes”

She struggled for a s that filled her heart Then she cao,” she said in low treo, Rudolf He'll kill you Never o: I had rather a thousand ti had it than that you should Oh, o,” he said softly

Again she began to ia moved towards the door, but Rudolf stopped her

”No,” he said; ”you o to the palace with her”

Even as he spoke they heard the wheels of a carriage driven quickly to the door By now I hadwas at my house As I dashed up the neas confirmed by the comments and jokes of the crowd