Part 34 (1/2)
”My G.o.d!” she heard Hertz exclaim, as both sprang up, and, frantically b.u.t.toning tunics and drawing on gloves, ran out into the road and swung to horse. There was a snap of commands, a stamping of hoofs, and the lances rose high above the wall in a line of fluttering pennons; they dipped, and the next moment the Archduke and the Regent's Adjutant drew up before the gate.
The former raised his hand, and Hertz rode forward and saluted.
”How long have you been here, Captain Hertz?” he asked.
”Since a few minutes after three, sir.”
”Has any one come to the Inn in that time?”
Hertz's spine went cold, and his voice trembled-she was the Archduke's, and he had dared to ogle her.
”No one, Your Highness,” he answered-”no one but a woman-only a few minutes ago-on horseback-alone.”
”Did you happen to look at her, Captain? If you did, you might describe her.”
”I cannot, Your Highness; her face was covered with a thick, black veil.”
The Archduke smiled. ”You're a good soldier, I see; a pretty face comes first.”
”But her figure, sir-it's wonderful, black habit and black horse-and she can ride-and her voice-”
”At least, Captain, your inability to describe her isn't due to lack of observation,” the Archduke remarked dryly. ”You have aroused my curiosity; I must see this remarkable woman-and do you remain here. I may have need of you presently; if you hear a whistle, come to me instantly.”
”Very clever, my lord,” Hertz muttered; ”but you can't cozen this bird; you're here to meet her, and we are not expected. If the Regent knew it-whew!” and dismounting, he nodded to the sergeant.
”This looks about as harmless as a game of ping-pong,” said Armand, as they went into the courtyard; then, suddenly, an amazing idea flashed upon him; and he swung around, and motioned Hertz to him.
”What color was the woman's hair?” he asked.
”Black. Your Highness, black as her gown.”
He dismissed Hertz with a look.
”Moore,” he said, and without moving on, ”this plot is tangling fast. Can you guess who this woman is?”
”'The one who knows,'” said the Colonel promptly.
”Yes, and more-it is Madeline Spencer.”
”Impossible!”
”I hope so, G.o.d knows,” the Archduke answered; ”I've had enough of that devil-Scartman, is any one awaiting me?”
The old fellow had come up at a run.
”Your Highness' pardon,” he cried, bowing almost into the dirt; ”had I known you were coming I would have been at the gate to receive you--”
”Never mind the reception, my man, answer my question-is any one awaiting me?”
”I think so, Your Highness-”