Rischenheim is to try first; but if
he fails, Rupert will risk everything and break through to the
king's presence. Give him five minutes with the king, and the
mischief's done! Very well, then; Sapt must keep Rupert at bay
while I tackle Rischenheim. As soon as you can move, go to
Strelsau, and let Sapt know where you are."
"But if you're seen, if you're found out?"
"Better I than the queen's letter," said he. Then he laid his
hand on my arm and said, quite quietly, "If the letter gets to
the king, I and I only can do what must be done."
I did not know what he meant; perhaps it was that he would carry
off the queen sooner than leave her alone after her letter was
known; but there was another possible meaning that I, a loyal
subject, dared not inquire into. Yet I made no answer, for I was
above all and first of all the queen's servant. Still I cannot
believe that he meant harm to the king.
"Come, Fritz," he cried, "don't look so glum. This is not so
great an affair as the other, and we brought that through safe."
I suppose I still looked doubtful, for he added, with a sort of
impatience, "Well, I'm going, anyhow. Heavens, man, am I to sit
here while that letter is carried to the king?"
I understood his feeling, and knew that he held life a light
thing compared with the recovery of Queen Flavia's letter.
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