Part 50 (2/2)
”What for?” asked Zaklika.
”To deliver me from here. He is madly in love with me. He knows the castle well. Do not mix in anything; let him do it. Help him as you can without taking part openly; prefer not to see anything. I will try to escape with him.”
”But he is a crazy boy,” said Zaklika. ”Only crazy people succeed in accomplis.h.i.+ng crazy enterprises,” said Cosel.
”But suppose he does not succeed?” asked Zaklika gloomily.
”No matter; they cannot do anything worse to me. I should only regret having exposed the young man. You will remain in reserve.”
”But I don't think he will have courage to do it,” said Zaklika.
”Leave that to me. I will manage the whole thing.”
A noise on the stairs stopped further conversation. Zaklika changed the subject and then went out.
He was hurt at Cosel's rejection of his help, but always submitted to her, determined to obey her will.
Wehlen took him into his confidence and told him he was ready to give up his own life for the Countess.
”I am sure you would not betray me,” said he.
”No,” answered Zaklika; ”you may be a.s.sured on that point; but do not betray yourself.”
Soon Zaklika noticed that Wehlen began to visit the Countess quite often, to talk with her while she was in the garden. Zaklika was obliged to play draughts with the uncle and to chat with him. Henry was constantly rus.h.i.+ng about, and by his redoubled energy and some preparations that he easily noticed, Zaklika guessed that the flight was soon to be attempted. Not being in the secret, he did not want to interfere, but once he whispered to the youth,--
”For Heaven's sake, have a care, captain. I do not know your thoughts and plans, but I am afraid that the others may notice, as I have, some unusual preparations.”
Wehlen was a little bit frightened; he took hold of Zaklika's arm, led him to a remote corner, and asked,--
”What have you noticed, then?”
”Well, I have noticed that you are preparing some _salto mortale_.”
”I do not understand what you mean,” said Wehlen. ”The whole thing is that I am madly in love.”
”You must try not to show that love to others, and not let them see what I see.”
The same day Zaklika went to the tower and found Cosel walking about feverishly, wearing a different dress than usual.
”Zaklika,” she said, ”do not interfere with anything--be blind. Play with the old commandant. In case of alarm, keep him as long as possible.”
”If you succeed in escaping, what shall I do then?” asked Zaklika.
”Then come where I will tell you.”
She did not wish to say a word more.
Zaklika left the room with a sad presentiment. Wehlen, whom he met in the courtyard, was feverish, looking every moment at the setting sun.
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